Kade's Turn by Tiffany Snow

I can honestly say there is not a romantic suspense series on the planet I love more than this one. Kathleen, Kade, and Blane had me hooked from the first book and may never let my heart go. When I saw Kade's Turn was available for request on Net Galley as an advance copy, I was ecstatic! I immediately put in my request and anxiously awaited the approval which came today. I was excited but worried at the same time. I wasn't sure the book would live up to all the type I had created for it in my head, but I absolutely couldn't wait to get started. I don't know why was so worried because this book blew my expectations out of the water. I couldn't believe the depth of detail and all the little glimpses into both Blane's and Kade's pasts. This story answered so many questions and really helped bring more understanding to the decisions made in book five. I really think both Blane and Kade fans will love this book. Even those readers who were disappointed with the book five ending (That would so not be me!) will want to read this insightful look into Kade's head. Some pretty big secrets (including a shockingly racy moment...whew!) were revealed, and I want to yell out about the unfairness of what happened. Unfortunately, I can't say what I'd like to without spoilers. So, I will just say if you want to know more about what more Blane's uncle the senator was doing behind the scenes, you better grab this book!

Though I've heard no plans to do so, I would be in heaven if Tiffany Snow would keep writing a Blane or Kade perspective for books three through five.  Kade's Turn just reinforced why this series is so popular and why it is my ultimate favorite. My only disclaimer would be to say read the books in order. This story will not make much sense if you haven't at least read the first two books and Blane's Turn.

Thank you, Net Galley for making my month by giving me this book for review!!!

Bones and Roses by Eileen Goudge

This is the first book in a new series for this author and the first book of hers I have read. I really enjoy first person female sleuth type stories and especially liked this one. It started off pretty mild, but things picked up rather quickly.

When the remains of Tish's long lost mother are discovered, Tish takes it upon herself to investigate since she feels the police aren't taking the case seriously enough. She enlists the help of a somewhat burned out and possibly alcoholic retired policeman and her best friend and total opposite, Ivy. Tish handles the dangers like she was born for it. She doesn't require the help of any of the romantic interests in her life, she just pushes on despite the possible consequences.

I really enjoyed this story and am glad it is going to be a series. I have high hopes for Tish and her end of the story love interest. He was my favorite.

I appreciate Net Galley providing me with a copy of this book for review.

Control by Laura Marie Altom

So I started this book late at night thinking I would just read a few pages to see whether I would like the author or not. Now, here I am at 1:40a.m. having just finished it in one sitting. I literally couldn't put it down and go to bed. Even though it really wasn't what I would label a suspense, it was deep and dark and tortured in all the best ways. I enjoy books which pull me in emotionally and make me feel things. This story had me sad, hopeful, angry, and curious as to how it would all end. I knew going into reading this book that it was going to be continued in another story, but wow, what a total shocker ending. I will be anxiously awaiting the next addition to this story. I really hope Ella's abusive husband gets what he deserves in the next book.

I love first person perspective books. I enjoy the feeling it gives you of being inside a character's head. Being able read from Liam's, Ella's and Julie's ( Ella's fake identity) really helped me keep from giving up on Liam when I felt he acted insecure. Overall, I loved the novel and will totally be waiting on the next book!

Thanks to Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book for an honest review.

Withholding Evidence by Rachel Grant

I have read and loved all the books in this series. While this story was a good bit shorter, it did not read like it. I was worried it would be a rushed book with little in the way of plot, but thankfully I was wrong. I was hooked right at the beginning by the amusing dialog as Trina tries to interview Keith. I will say that this couple hooked up way faster than I typically find believable, but somehow it seemed to fit their personalities as neither was at all inhibited in the area of intimacy. Even though they tended to lose their tempers quickly, they always made up with a ton of sparks.

This book was everything I have come to expect and like from this author...likable characters who are easy to identify with, a believable suspense plot, exciting action and super hot chemistry. I totally enjoyed it!

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me a copy for honest review...and fun reading!

Rescue at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels

I really like the characters in the Cardwell Ranch series. I haven't read the series in order and actually read one of the books that follows this one first. The series is based around a large family of brothers and their cousins. Even though there are reoccurring characters, I didn't have any trouble reading them in no certain order. 

In this story, Hayes Cardwell is visiting his brother at his cousin's ranch. He accidentally ends up saving a local real estate agent who was the random target of a serial killer. McKenzie never really sees her rescuer..just his eyes. Because he asks to remain anonymous, McKenzie has to try to get back to her normal life without being able to thank Hayes. When the two meet again by chance, a connection is forged, and Hayes appoints himself as McKenzie's protection. As the thwarted killer retaliates against her and tries to correct the mistake he made by failing to kill her the first time, McKenzie becomes appreciative of Hayes's overprotective nature. As the danger gets closer, so does the couple. 

This was a good story with plenty of suspense and not a lot of the cheesy overdramatics occasionally found in mass market type stories. I have read many books by this particular author and always enjoy them. Now that I have read two books in this series featuring Tag's wedding, I feel the need to find and read his story. :-)

Do or Die by Suzanne Brockmann

This book is the first book in the author's new reluctant heroes series.  The action started right off the bat with a scene inside a prison and never slowed down. Even though parts of the novel were obviously meant to give us the main characters' histories to set up the start of the series, it didn't bog down the flow of the story.

Although the main couple for this story was Phoebe and Ian, there were so many great secondary characters who featured prominently in the storyline. It would take forever to get into all the different wonderful facets of this novel, so I will just focus on Ian and Phoebe. Phone is strong, confident, and really funny in a sweetly snarky way. She is thrown into the volatile situation of being Ian's lawyer with practically no notice and little knowledge of the true ramifications of the deal she is brokering.

Ian is a family focused man. Nothing in the world is more important to him than protecting his family. Though he is attracted to his new lawyer, his first order of business is to ditch her. Fortunately for him, since she saves his cover more than once, Phoebe proves difficult to get rid of.

Ian and Phoebe set out on a coerced mission to rescue a couple of kidnapped kids along with a quirky but talented team Ian worked with before prison, another lawyer, and two FBI agents. nothing seems to go right at first, but eventually the team becomes a well oiled machine working together for their common goal. Phoebe fits right into the team and right into Ian 's dreams of his perfect woman. Their chemistry is off the charts and obvious to everyone but them.  I really loved how their relationship progressed and their funny back and forth banter. They really were perfect for each other. Phoebe recognizes the importance of their relationship before Ian will allow himself to admit it. Eventually, he had to make a choice whether to walk away to protect his family or make her a part of that family.

I liked this novel enough that I will probably start her Troubleshooters series next while I wait for the second book in this series.

Thanks to Net Galley for providing a copy of this book for review!

Bad Bones by Linda Ladd

Amazing, totally amazing!!! I have read every book in this series and was extremely excited to get my hands on an early copy of this latest addition since it is one of my favorite series. I started reading immediately, and then I couldn't put it down. The Claire Morgan books are always a little gritty and disturbing, but this one was even more so in my opinion. It seems like the books just get better and deeper as the series continues to develop.

In Bad Bones, Claire and Bud are searching for a killer who likes to break every bone in his victims' bodies before dumping them in the snow. Their investigation leads them to a modern day group of feuding fighting mountain families who really don't take to outsiders or the law. To make matters worse, one of the victims has ties to a notorious mob family Claire's fiance, Black,  knows well. Despite dire warnings from Black and Joe McKay, Claire plows ahead in her usual fashion. Thankfully, Claire is not one of those stupid heroines who ignores all danger and is surprised when bad things happen. She keeps herself aware and prepared but refuses to neglect her job even if it risks her safety at times.

There are a few amusing moments related to Claire's inability to control her snarky mouth, but mostly this was a very suspensefully dark story. There were so many twists and turns and questions I couldn't answer. Claire's relationship with Black had a few ups and downs, but he remains her steady anchor in the middle of all the chaos. I totally love Black!

I didn't know until the very end whether there was one killer or two. The questions were killing me. Some parts of the killer's history were really hard to read, and the final climax of the book had me literally cringing, wanting to read but afraid of what I was going to encounter. To me, that is the best kind of suspense. I absolutely loved it!!!

Thank you, Net Galley, for providing a copy of this book for review!

KCPD Protector by Julie Miller

KCPD Protector was a nice easy suspense read. Between dealing with storms, tornadoes, exes, office romance and a stalker, George and Elise barely have time to think in this story. I tend to prefer a suspense that moves quickly without a lot of lags. This novel absolutely delivered.

Elise is George's executive assistant and has a skittishness about having any type of personal relationship with her boss due to a bad experience a couple of years previous. George seems to have no such worries even though Elise is much younger than him and shows a little more concern and attention than Elise feels she can deal with. However, when a stalker turns his attention toward Elise, there is no one she trusts more to protect her than George.

Even though they try to keep their budding relationship behind the scenes due to work, the feelings they have been developing over the past couple years quickly become more serious. Unfortunately for Elise, the stalker's attentions become more personal and dangerous. Everything finally comes to a head in the middle of a full blown tornado leading to an exciting conclusion.

Thanks, Net Galley, for providing a copy for review.

The Suffragette Scandal by Courtney Milan

I was in the mood for a good historical, and this story totally fit the bill. I have not read any of the other stories in the Brothers Sinister series, but it didn't matter in the least. This book was easily read as a standalone.

This story was a lot of fun. The dialog between Free and Edward was so outrageous. Their constant back and forth banter was witty and amusing. I loved their quirkiness. It was great to read about a fearless female who was not embarrassed to be herself in every situation and a member of the peerage who was willing to give it all up to live his own version of dishonorable honor.

I really loved the ways Edward showed Free her loved her and how he worked to keep her safe without limiting her or trying to change who she was. Free lifted Edward up and helped him see himself as a better person. Overall, it was a really fun read with a bit of suspense. My only drawback was the girl/girl relationship persued by two of the secondary characters which is totally out of my personal preference zone. Thankfully that was only a small part of the book and not graphic.

Thank you, Net Galley, for providing a copy of this book for review.

Seduction in the Shadows by T.L. Haddix

This series is one of my ultimate favorites. I have read all of the books and anxiously awaited getting my hands on this one. The foreshadowing from the previous novel led me to believe this one would be worth the wait. It absolutely was!

Joely is a really great character. She has suffered for years due to sticking to her personal moral code despite most of the town and some of her family believing the worst of her. Despite all of this, she remains sweet and quirky. When Joely meets straight laced Garrett, sparks fly even though Joely cannot comprehend why someone like him would want someone like her. Thankfully, Garrett doesn't let that keep him from pursuing her. 

Their relationship has some really sweet highs and some heart wrenching lows. As they spend time getting to know on another, Joely acquires a seemingly benign admirer. Just as Joely and Garrett reconcile their relationship, the admirer makes his move throwing everything in jeopardy.

I absolutely loved this story. As is typical with this series, many of the previous characters played prominently into this addition. I didn't find this one to be as suspenseful as some of the previous books, but it didn't keep me from being hooked into the story. There were also several laugh out loud moments that had my family looking at me strangely. While this could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order to get the most out of it.

Into the Shadows by Carolyn Crane

Wow!!!! I don't know where to start except with...Wow! I've never read this author before, but I certainly will again. I was totally sucked into this book. It was totally crude and graphic and violent and sad and beautiful and unbelievable. The depth of the characters, especially Thorne, had me holding my breath and hoping for the best. From the preview and the cover I never would have suspected the depth of the story and the emotional content.  I would love to write a synopsis of the story, but so much was involved that I wouldn't know where to start and wouldn't want to spoil it. I can only say five star reviews are not something I give lightly. I have to totally love something or be blown away. This story was absolutely a five star read!

Thank so much, Net Galley, for providing me a copy of this book for review!

One Night More by Mandy Baxter

I chose to read this book because it was recommended by one of my favorite authors. It is the first novel in a new series about U.S. Marshals. The story revolves around Harper who is a journalist and Galen, a U.S. marshal. After one life changing night together, they spend the next year apart due to a misunderstanding. They are reunited once Harper becomes the only witness to a murder and is in need of protection, but Galen pretends he does not recognize her. Harper must fight her feelings of betrayal and inadequacy even as she tries to discover who is after her and why the senator was murdered. 

The chemistry between Harper and Galen was electric. Once he admits his feelings for her, they become inseparable. Harper uses his feelings for her to convince him to let her take several risks with disastrous results.  The danger escalates as Harper gets closer to the truth and Galen puts his job on the line to help her.

I enjoyed the story and liked all the characters, especially Galen's boss, his sister and his friend Landon. Hopefully they will be featured in future books. I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series.

Thank you, Net Galley, for providing me with a copy of this book for review.

Ultimate Sins by Lora Leigh

I will start by saying once I started reading this book, I realized it was part of a series. Fortunately, that did not hinder me from being able to read it as a stand alone. However, I do think I might have enjoyed it even more if I had read the series in order.

The story is set in a small town where three young cousins are left alone when their families are all murdered. The young men grow up on the fringes of society raised by an uncle who eventually dies too leaving the cousins with only each other to depend on. They become the target of a serial rapist and killer who begins slaying every woman the young men have a relationship with. By the time this novel comes along in the series, everyone has just discovered who the killer is, and the hunt is on.

Crowe, one of the three young men, has been in love with Amelia for years but left her seven years ago to keep the killer from learning about their relationship. He has now discovered she was living with the killer all along...her abusive father. With her father on the run, Crowe believes Amelia needs his protection and is determined she will accept it whether she wants to or not. He tends to use their sexual chemistry as a persuasive force much of the time with some success although Amelia bucks against the suffocating feel of his protection.

Secrets and sins abound in this story of betrayal, courage, and renewal. I really was drawn to the characters and hooked into the story fairly quickly. I do feel the need to say that the sexual situations were much more graphic and frequent than I typically prefer to read, and the language (sexual and otherwise) was very explicit. For those reasons, I would have probably not finished the book had I not been so invested in the plot. I had to know how things were going to work out for Amelia. The character development and the interweaving of the plot were sensational. I just couldn't help but keep reading.

Thank you, Net Galley, for providing a copy for review.

Engaging the Enemy by Susanne Bellamy

I enjoyed reading this story, my first by this author. I tend to stick with traditional suspense in my typical reading habits, but the preview for this story interested me. While this was not a suspense in the usual sense of the word, the relationship between the two main characters was definitely suspenseful.

Matt and Andie were both constantly back and forth with their feelings of attraction and distrust. Every little thing seemed to spark a new doubt even though their chemistry kept them together. I liked both of the characters and liked Andie even more toward the end when she realizes her immature behavior.

Matt's accent was fun to imagine, and the Australian setting was interesting to read. I don't recall any profanity in the story, and intimate moments were behind closed doors. Overall, it was a nice clean romance with a bit of conflict.

Extreme Measures by Elisabeth Naughton

This was a new author for me and thankfully, the first book in a new series. I tend to be a big fan of series. This series is based around a private security firm called Aegis. The book didn't really go into any detail about how the firm was formed or what exactly they do, but it did introduce the key players in the firm.

Archer and Eve have a steamy history that totally hit the fan over a couple of ops gone bad. Archer is out for some major revenge against Eve, and she feels his hatred. When a meeting goes horribly wrong for Eve and results in a terrorist type act, Archer takes the opportunity to take Eve into his "custody". What he proceeds to do next can be perceived as both scary and ultimately hot. (You will just have to read it to find out.) Because Archer severed ties with Aegis in order to track Eve, he is left without backup when terrorists breach his hideout and try to kill him and Eve.

Eve is smart and resourceful but used to being alone. She is kind of a fixer protector who has to do everything by herself. Although she beats herself up for it mentally, she doesn't run away from Archer when she has the opportunity because he is hurt and because she still loves him. She and Archer end up forming an unlikely alliance based on mutual distrust but a common goal.

Danger is everywhere, and eventually Aegis comes in to provide some much needed assistance. Suddenly everything kicks up a notch. I was surprised by who the actual bad guys turned out to be. I'm usually a good guesser, so it was a happy surprise. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes and who it features next. I really want to know more about both Marley and Miller.

Obviously, this is an adults only book. It was typical of the military type suspense genre in that it did sport quite a bit of profanity and a lot of super hot very descriptive intimate moments. If you like this genre, you expect that, and will enjoy this book and all the characters.

My thanks to Net Galley for providing a copy of this book for review!

Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things by Rachelle J. Christensen

I really enjoyed trying this book by an author who is new to me. Though it seemed to start a bit slow for me, it totally picked up and had me frustrated when I had to put it down to handle family issues before I could finish. The characters had me hooked in and invested in the story. I especially loved Luke.

Adri is a likable if naive young woman recovering from the murder of her best friend and starting a new wedding planning business in a new hometown. When her first shipment of extremely expensive wedding dresses are tampered with and stolen, everything starts to go downhill and Adri's life becomes somewhat dangerous. Amid all the wedding chaos, Adri also meets a couple of men who vy for her attention. Luke is bold on the outside but more shy and sensitive inside while Dallas is the exact opposite.

Once Adri is pushed into choosing one of the men, she begins to feel pressured and conflicted but sticks with it despite an intense attraction to the other man. When her relationship issues combine with a bridezilla, missing dresses, upcoming weddings, and a stalker, Adri's life spins out of control.

In the end, with the help of her newly found detecting skills and her friends, Adri helps catch a killer and put on a beautiful wedding. I loved the not quite happily ever after but realistically happy hopeful ending. I hope this is going to become a series and I can read more about Adri and her maybe man.

Thanks go out to Net Galley for providing a copy of this book for honest review:-)

Going Twice by Sharon Sala

Finally, big lovable Wade with his always hungry appetite gets his own story! Since I had already read the first and last book in this trilogy (out of order...I know), I couldn't wait to see how Wade would finally get hooked up. It turns out he and his ex-wife, Jo, still have feelings for each other and would have never separated had it not been for a tragic event followed by an equally tragic misunderstanding. When they are assigned to work together on a serial killer case, sparks and words fly.

Jo, Wade, and the Stormchaser team find themselves tracking a killer who is using tornadoes as cover for his killings. Wade and Jo come to an uneasy truce while the rest of the team roots for them to settle their differences and resolve the sexual tension that bounces around them. In the meantime, the killer becomes more bold but experiences his own share of tension.

Once he becomes aware of Jo's involvement with the team, he becomes enraged. He views his killings as a game between himself and the team. Jo does not belong. The killer begins to focus his efforts toward getting rid of Jo. Wade will do whatever it takes to keep the Stormchaser from harming the woman he realizes he never stopped loving.

I enjoyed this entire series and all the wonderful characters. I have already been checking out the author's other series so I can decide what to read next.

Going Once by Sharon Sala

I actually read the third book in this trilogy first but ended up liking it so much that I bought this book before I even finished. This was the beginning of the Stormchaser's reign of terror. The Stormchaser team of Tate, Wade, and Cameron get called out to Tate's hometown as the Stormchaser strikes during a flood of the Mississippi River. Tate's former love is the first and only witness to any of the Stormchaser's crimes when she sees him murder a family of three stuck on their roof. Even though she sees too little too identify him, the killer targets her as a way of fixing his mistakes.

Tate and Nola have never stopped loving each other and quickly settle the misunderstandings that have kept them apart. The other two members of the team also become attached to Nola, and the team works overtime to keep her safe. To further complicate matters, Tate is dealing with family issues he has been avoiding for years, and Nola is trying to cope with the loss of her home and all of her possessions in the flood.

I really enjoyed this story. The two books I've read in this series have been my only experiences with this author. I liked her writing style and her realism. The characters are very well developed, and I found myself attached to even the secondary characters. The Stormchaser is the perfect villain with just enough crazy to make him interesting and just enough creepy to keep the suspense exciting. This has been one of the better suspense series I've read recently.

Innocent Prey by Maggie Shayne

This was my first Brown and DeLuca novel. I'm not even sure how many previous novels are in this series. I have to say that it was very different from what I expected. This story was definitely not your typical female detective type novel. Rachel had a seriously snarky attitude and the mouth to back it up. I wasn't sure at first if I would like her, but the more I read, the more she grew on me and had me amused. I liked Mason from the beginning. Their relationship was interesting but complicated. Both felt more deeply for each other than they wanted to admit and spent to much time working.

A missing young girl has Mason and Rachel working together on the case. As one missing girl turns into several, their case gets more complicated. Rachel begins having visions and using her NFP (You will have to read the book to figure out what that is.) to help speed the case along.  In the end, she takes an incredible risk to save Mason and another member of their team. I ended up loving the story and the quirky relationship between Rachel and Mason. I will absolutely be reading more of this series!

Going Gone by Sharon Sala

I was totally hooked into this book from the first page! What an exciting way to start a story. From the beginning, it is obvious Laura and Cameron have a history from previous books. Since I haven't read any of this author's other works, I wondered if I would be lost. Fortunately, that was not the case at all. I was completely sucked into their relationship and their deep love for each other.

Laura's plane crash was harrowing to read and think about. Cameron wasted no time getting to a place where he could find her and putting all of his effort into the search. He becomes her lifeline and her tie to reality in the aftermath. He is strong and supportive and exactly what she needs. The scene where they fly back home totally grabbed my heart!

Unfortunately, before she has completely recovered emotionally, a killer from Cameron's past related to his work for the FBI returns and chooses Laura for his final target. Fear rises along with the body count as the killer baits Cameron and his FBI team. Laura works to become stronger in every way as she and Cameron both have to spend more and more time at work and apart. Cameron suspects the killer is targeting Laura, but has no proof until it's almost too late.

I loved how Laura used the strength and research she sought out for herself in the end and how Cameron's gift to ensure her safety ultimately proves its value. This was a great story, and I am so excited to have found another favorite author. I purchased the first book in this series before I even finished this one, that's how much I enjoyed it.

Thanks go to Net Galley for providing a copy to review. Awesome book!

Thirty-two and a Half Complications by Denise Grover Swank

I  don't even know where to start with this review. I totally fell in love with this series when I read the first book after grabbing it as a freebie and have stayed in love through all of Rose's adventures. This addition to the series was amazing. Just when you think Rose is finally getting out of trouble and things are settling down, everything gets worse. I often find myself wondering just how many times and in how many ways Violet can betray Rose. I will think she can go no lower only to find out she has. She really makes a mess of things in this story.

Joe gets pretty aggressive in his pursuit of Rose throughout this book. I have to say it totally made me dislike him more and more. He says he loves her, but he shows no respect for her and consistently demeans her and blames her. I am firmly on team Mason. He listens to Rose and supports her. He and his mother make her feel like she belongs in their family. He is always there when she needs him, and I'm glad she realizes that.

I was shocked by some of the choices Rose makes even though she ended up not really having a choice. Things have definitely become more complicated, and I think Rose has picked up a new admirer. I have no idea how Rose is going to manage the situation at the nursery or her new affiliation with Skeeter, but I can't wait to find out.

Love, love, love this series!