Into the Dark by Cindy Gerard

I love this series, and I love this author. Ever since Amy was introduced into the series, I have wanted to know her story. Now that I have read it, it was perfect. I am glad the author gave Amy back her strength and didn't leave her as broken as she was when she disappeared. She and Dallas were a perfect match, even though it took him a while to realize it. When she shows up on his doorstep unannounced and needing him, it is like Dallas finally starts living again. As he realizes how much she has changed, he admires her even more. When he catches Amy trying to leave again, Dallas refuses to let her out of his sight and ends up accompanying her on a mission of vengeance which quickly turns into a mission of national security. Along the way, they gain the help of several characters I love from Cindy Gerard's other series. It was nice to see where Gabe, Lang, and Reed were introduced. I have really enjoyed this series and will miss reading about all the crazy family croquet matches:-)

Running on Empty by Christy Reece

I started this book way too late at night to possibly finish it, but I still ended up staying up until 3:00am trying. I honestly couldn't put it down. I have read and loved all the LCR novels and accidentally happened upon this new LCR Elite novel. Like this author's other books, this one was action from start to finish but also deeply emotional. I love how tough Sabrina is. Her loyalty is also unbelievably strong. Declan is sexy but horribly damaged. The couple faces overwhelming odds and unbearable physical and emotional pain with no idea whether their relationship even has a remote chance of survival. I loved getting to reconnect with most of my favorite LCR characters and can't wait for more of this sexy suspenseful series!

Over the Line by Emmy Curtis

I'm going to start by saying I totally loved this book. Military romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres, and this author is now one of my favorites as well. I have already found and purchased the prequel novella and can't wait to read the next book.  This story starts in Afghanistan with James attempting to save Beth from a potentially fatal bullet wound. After being deployed together for a few months, he has developed an attraction to her on a deep level. She is completely unaware but is also affected by him. Unfortunately, her medical treatment takes her away from him, and months pass by before the two meet by chance as Beth is cleared from rehab for redeployment. James can't resist the opportunity to ask her out and turns the invitation into a weekend rock climbing expedition. Unfortunately, fate intervenes, and rock climbing is waylaid by a family emergency. Beth sees the adventure in helping protect James from his family's unrealistic expectations and pressures by posing as his fiancee. Her adventure backfires when she is faced with racism and elitism from James's parents, the arrival of James's ex-girlfriend, threats against James's sisters which endanger her safety, and her own inability to resist the chemistry exploding between herself and James. Thankfully, Beth is a special forces soldier and not about to back down. I loved the characters in this story and how emotionally involved it was. It had all my favorite things...strong characters, plenty of action, super hot chemistry, and a great suspenseful plot.

Net Galley provided a copy of this book for honest review:-)

The Detective's Dilemma by Karen McCullough

I'll start by saying that the cover art is what first attracted me to this book. I was totally unfamiliar with the author but decided to give it a try. I admit I wasn't sure from the book description how likable the characters would be since Sarah was basically the mistress of a much older man who is murdered.  The genre of this book was romantic suspense, so obviously it could be assumed that Sarah would be finding a relationship just after her lover's murder. I really didn't think that would appeal to me, however, the author wrote Sarah in such a way that she pulled my sympathy. Although I thought the relationship between Sarah and Jay developed very quickly, I enjoyed their personalities. I also liked reading about Jay's partner, Sam. If he doesn't already have his own book, he needs one.

As for the storyline, Jay is a jaded detective with a protective streak assigned to investigate the murder of Sarah's lover. Sarah is forced to pull the trigger for the fatal shot, but her story is not very believable until attacks on Sarah and her property start to sway Jay's opinion. Despite evidence pointing to her innocence, Jay is pressured to arrest Sarah. His betrayal cuts deep. With the real killers on the loose needing a mysterious key Sarah knows nothing about, Jay's seeming betrayal leaves him almost to late to save the woman he has admitted he loves.  My only complaint was that the ending of the book felt abrupt to me, and I never found resolution regarding the identity of the third masked man.

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

Cold Case in Cherokee County by Rita Herron

Jaxon is a Texas Ranger tasked by his boss to make sure a death row conviction is upheld while the prisoner awaits imminent execution. Though he finds the request a bit strange, he makes arrangements to speak to the prisoner. When he arrives, he encounters the prisoner's sister, Avery, who has an unbelievable story to tell. Avery claims her brother is innocent and confessed as a misguided attempt to protect her from being prosecuted for the crime. Since Avery has no memory of the murder, she fears her brother may have taken her place in prison. She convinces Jaxon to help her look into possibility. As the two begin to visit people from Avery's past, the conviction looks very shaky and the killer tries to warn Avery off. Jaxon helps Avery face fears from her past, and Avery gives Jaxon a renewed sense of purpose. The connection between the two increases as they spend most of their time searching out the real killer together and working to free Avery's brother before execution day. Though the story seemed a little cliche "pie in the sky" at times, it was still interesting and a nice easy read with likable characters.

Net Galley provided a copy of this book for review.

Cover Your Eyes by Mary Burton

While I have long been a fan of Mary Burton, her last novel was probably my least favorite. I was hesitant to give this one a try, but thankfully the summary pulled my interest. The idea of a killer going dormant for decades had me imagining all kinds of scenarios. Fortunately the author's scenario was better than mine.

Rachel is a lawyer who is barely making ends meet due to spending much of her time on pro bono work for the Justice Project.  Deke is a homicide detective who's recently deceased father made a name for himself on the conviction of Rachel's newest client, an admitted stalker incarcerated for murder. Rachel and Deke butt heads from the beginning. Neither of them are exactly warm and fuzzy type people...more like defensive and prickly.  If you like your suspense heavy on the romance, this is not that book. This couple takes their sweet time about getting together despite their obvious chemistry. Deke is determined to protect his father's reputation and make sure the conviction is upheld until new bodies turn up murdered in the same fashion as the killing in Rachel's case from 20 years previous. Curiosity and instinct drive Deke to find the truth and to keep an eye on Rachel. The killer also keeps tabs on Rachel's activity and takes out anyone who gets close to the truth. With many possible suspects, I was almost at the end before I figured out the real culprit. Overall, it was a good suspense in true Mary Burton style.

Net Galley provided a copy of this book for review.

Cowboy Behind the Badge by Delores Fossen

This is the second book in a series. I read the first book, Maverick Sheriff, and really liked it, so it was fun to catch back up with some of the characters. If you haven't read the first book, no worries, you will be fine reading this as a standalone. The events in this book didn't really build upon the events from the previous book or get any closer to solving the major mystery in the background of this series. I am very curious to find out whether Tucker's mother is guilty or not. Despite Rayanne's prickly nature, I really like her and hope she gets the next book, or maybe Rosalie will...I like so many characters.

Back to this story, Laine is a child psychologist who ends up witnessing a murder and being left with the care of newborn twins. In her panic, she runs to a childhood friend who has become a grown up enemy. When Tucker finds Laine scared and trying to hide the babies in his home, he doesn't want anything to do with her...except maybe to remember the last time he kissed her, when even as children they recognized a special connection. Tucker tries to fight his pull toward Laine even as she throws caution to the wind, ignores the negative comments from both of their families and goes after what she wants.  The twins are sweet and bond with Laine and with Tucker's family.  Just when I would think I knew who was after the twins and Laine, something would happen to change my mind. I was a little bit surprised by the ending. I really enjoyed all the action and the sweet romance. Overall, it was a fun easy read.

Net Galley provided a copy of this book for honest review.

Built for Power by Kathleen Brooks

If you liked Kathleen Brooks' Bluegrass series, you will like this series as well. This is the second book in the new series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I don't really recommend it. There are so many characters, it helps to have background knowledge from the previous book.

This book focuses on Bree, the sister of Mallory from book one. Bree heads up her family's construction business. Problems abound at the worksite, and one of the problems is Logan Ward, an architect in London who is keeping her plans all mixed up. When Logan arrives in the states to rectify the problems, he is just in time to help save Bree from possibly a deadly injury. The two fight and argue but eventually realize they are on the same side. Things don't get any less complicated, however. Job problems continue to occur, and Bree faces prejudice all around for being a woman in a man's profession.

Though we know from almost the outset who the criminal is, the storyline was really good and had a lot of action. Fair warning, this author's series are not hardened mysteries or deep dark thrillers, but for light romantic suspense, I really enjoy them.

On Her Father's Grave by Kendra Elliot

This book is the first in a series of novellas which will be written alternately by Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot, two of my favorite authors. On Her Father's Grave introduces the characters and the mystery starting to unravel in Solitude, Oregon. Stevie Taylor comes from a large close knit happy family. She moved away to L.A. for a while and served as a police officer there. Due to the traumatic events at her job and the sudden death of her father, Stevie moves back home and takes a position with the police department where her father had been chief.  Meanwhile, the new chief disappears, a teen is found dead, and a relative newcomer and friend of Stevie's family, Zane,  is given the chief's position. Stevie and Zane hit it off fairly quickly, and he is already practically a part of her family since he was close to her father and mother. Both are professional, however, so little more than a couple of spontaneous kisses happens...yet. As the pair begin to investigate the death of the local teen, they realize something much deeper is going on, and her father's death may be tied to it all.

This is a series in the true sense of the word. While there is some resolution at the end of this book and definitely no major cliffhanger, much is unresolved, and many threads are hanging out there waiting to be unraveled. Personally, I really like to read series that leave me a little bit to wonder about while I wait for the next book. I liked the characters and the real sense of mystery in this story. Although I don't read a lot of novellas because I go through them too fast, this read like a full length book and did not feel rushed. I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series!

Net Galley provided a copy of this book for honest review:-)

Under the Wire by Cindy Gerard

The Bodyguards series has been one of my favorites for a while, however,  I didn't really expect to like this one.  I knew this book featured a much older heroine which is not a genre I typically read. I simply decided to give it a try because I didn't want to be behind in the series. I'm so glad I did. It didn't read at all like I thought it would, and the age difference wasn't the focus of the story.  Lily and Manny had met years before at an emotional time for Lily. Their affair was brief but brilliantly passionate and ended suddenly with no resolution for either of them. Now, many years and complications later, Lily needs Manny's help despite his extremely negative feelings toward her. Exigent circumstances compel Manny to offer his assistance. Though he agrees to help, he does not agree to be friendly, and his resentment rubs off on his team members leaving Lily an outcast. As they travel across the world to rescue a kidnapped family and a missing exchange student, Lily holds her own. I love how strong and independent she was despite being hurt over and over by the way she was treated. I also love the moment when Manny realizes he was wrong about Lily.  Even when it looks like they will be successful in their mission, the future of their relationship remains unclear. I got caught up in their back and forth emotions, their passion, and their struggle to let the past go. This was a great addition to a great series!

Hot Rebel by Lynn Raye Harris

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite military romantic suspense series. I adored the last book and was thrilled to have a chance to check this one out early. I had high expectations, and thankfully this story was just as steamy and exciting as I had hoped. Nick's sexy little comments and Victoria's prickly insecurity made for some interesting dialog.  Both Vic and Nick are snipers. This story starts off with Victoria stealing a shot Nick was set to take only killing what he believes to be the wrong target. From that point on, the two are consistently at odds. When an attempt is made on Vic's life, Nick and his team are in the right place at the right time and use their leverage to convince Victoria to work with them. She and Nick end up as partners on an of the books mission. Once these two are alone, sparks certainly do fly. Since neither of them want to admit to wanting the other, the tension ramps up pretty quickly. In addition to the missions from both Victoria's and Nick's bosses, they are also searching for Victoria's runaway sister who has terrorist ties. With all that on their minds, you wouldn't think they would have time for romance. Thankfully, you would be wrong. Vic was so vulnerable and brave in their relationship. I totally loved her. Without throwing out spoilers, there is not much else I can say other than if military suspense is your genre, don't miss this book!

I am thrilled to have received a copy of this book from Net Galley for honest review:-)

The Buried by Shelley Coriell

Okay, so I have to admit I didn't really like Grace at the beginning of this novel. She really struck me the wrong way until more of the story was revealed; then her character began to shine. I loved her once I understood her. I liked Hatch from the start, especially his Sunshine Boy nickname.  These two as a couple seemed totally opposite although their chemistry was obviously great and their affection for each other strong. I also enjoyed the relationship Hatch had with his team of Apostles and the way they pulled Grace into their family. I kind of hope to see Grace as an Apostle in the future.

As for the storyline, a killer is on the loose. This killer has started a game with Grace as the only player. The killer buries the victims alive but leaves them one lifeline...a phone which only calls Grace. The race is on to find them in time. With the help of Hatch, the Apostles, and "not (her) dog" Blue, Grace sets out to find the killer before she becomes the final victim. In the midst of all the stress of hunting the killer, relationship issues abound...between Hatch and Grace, Hatch and his newly discovered 13 year old son, and an old lady and the bees which she believes tell her of a ghost.

This was an interesting and suspenseful novel with a lot of action. It is part of a series. I have not read any of the other Apostle books and was not lost at all. I was interested in the background of a couple that must have formed in a previous story, so I plan too go back and read any other books in the series so I will be ready for the next one.

Net Galley provided a copy of this novel for honest review:-)

Mine to Have by Cynthia Eden

Having read this author before, I was pretty sure I knew what to expect. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. The author's For Me series was okay for me, neither loved or disliked. I had never heard of the Mine series. Apparently, this series is meant to be a bit more "adult". I have to admit to liking the writing style of this series much better my previous experiences. It was definitely steamier...enough that I skimmed a few scenes to get back to the action. That said, the emotional content and the drama/action were very on point.

Saxon is an FBI agent who has been under cover so long even he struggles to know who he really is. Elizabeth is a seeming innocent who finds herself kidnapped and with a price on her head for no apparent reason. Fortunately, Saxon gets called in to save her and keep her safe. He is not gentle or kind or comforting. He also never mentions that her is one of the good guys. Eventually as things get sorted out, Saxon and Elizabeth begin to develop feelings for each other and work to determine why someone wants to kill her. Eventually, the evasion tactics they employ to keep safe fail. They have to work together or just wait for the killer to catch up too them.

I really enjoyed this story and had no trouble following even though I had not read the other novels in this series.

Net Galley provided a copy of this book for honest review:-)

The Kill List by Nichole Christoff

This is the first book in a new series by a new author. I honestly never would have guessed it was a new author had I not read the bio. The writing was outstanding, and the characters grabbed my attention and quickly had me invested. The story was gritty and full of action, suspense and secrets. The chemistry between Jamie and Adam was believable and steamy without taking it straight to the physical. Jamie would have seemed to have been in the right role to be the caretaker type, yet she was a soldier inside. Adam was every inch a soldier but was a caretaker at heart. The two made an excellent pair.

The book begins when Jamie uses herself as bait to catch a stalker with disastrous results. On the heels off that incident, before she even had time to recover, her ex husband calls and begs for her help in locating his three year old daughter who has been kidnapped. Despite her animosity toward her ex, she agrees to help and travels to his army base to start her investigation. Jamie is furious when she realizes her ex is being much less than forthcoming even at the risk of his daughter's safety. Thankfully, Adam steps up and helps Jamie at every turn. In the middle of the investigation, the worst happens; the stalker escapes. Jamie now had two separate hunts going on, one for the missing three year old and one for the stalker who seems to want to kill her. Through it all, Adam remains steadfast. The action in this book was exciting and well planned. I loved that I was able to be surprised by some of the ending events. I love a good shocker.

Honestly, I absolutely loved this book. I am pre -ordering book two and telling my reading buddies to grab this book as soon as it comes out. I am so glad Net Galley gave me a chance to read and review this awesome debut novel.

Mack's Witness by Myla Jackson

This novel begins with Mack, a Marine deployed to Afghanistan, and his chance meeting with Deirdre, an Irish supermodel. Both have very busy lives filed with travel all over the world, and neither are looking for a relationship or any sort of ties. Unfortunately for them, their chemistry is immediately off the charts and an impromptu kiss sends things over the top. Following some heavy flirting and maybe another kiss or two, the couple decide to risk a night together...no strings attached. Mack, however, has forgotten he comes from parents who fell in love at first sight and just left his brother's wedding which was also the result of a first sight Cupid strike. When Deirdre gets nervous and tries to leave in the middle of the night, she unknowingly becomes the only witness to a murder. Mack decides to use part of his leave from the Marines to become her protection until the killers are caught.  The book is not that long, so the action heats up pretty quickly. Their attempt to get off the grid and hide fails, and Mack and Deirdre have to work together to bring down the criminals.

This book seemed a little short to me, so things happened really fast. Since it seems to be a theme for this series, the love at first sight whirlwind romance didn't really bother me. I have not read any other books in this series or by this author, but I had no problems keeping up with this story as a stand alone. I would have maybe liked a little more depth on the suspense end and more time for it to build, but the characters were great...especially Mack's family. Overall, it was a sexy easy read with awesome Irish accents.

Net Galley provided a copy of this book for review:-)

A Pretty Mess by Carla Caruso

This novel was a cute read set in one of Australia's ritzier suburbs. Celeste is young and has just started her home organization business by landing a job for Australia's premier fitness guru. As she is working in the very friendly and approachable celebrity's home, Celeste finds signs which indicate her employer is being blackmailed. Unsure what to do, she turns to Lenny, the handsome builder who is also working in the home. Sparks of both the chemistry and temperamental kind fly from the couple's first interactions. Though working to unveil the blackmailer provides a bit of suspense, this story is ultimately a romance. It tracks the many ways  grows and changes as she learns to look beyond the outside and focus on the inside both in regard to others and herself. I enjoyed this story and all the fun Australian words and quirks which are very different from my daily life.

Net Galley provided a copy of this book for honest review:-)

Double Jeopardy by Linda Wisdom

Lauren is the new coroner in a small town. Josh is the assistant district attorney and known as a real ladies man.  Josh is instantly attracted to Lauren and pursues her despite knowing he has a stalker who has tried to scare away other women in his life. Lauren plays it tough and refuses to be scared off the the little strange things that start happening to her. Despite the help of Josh's police friend, the stalker continues to harass both Josh and Lauren and even escalates. Rumors and incidents from Lauren's past which she has worked hard to overcome and leave behind become weapons in the stalker's hands. In the midst of all this trouble, Josh and Lauren's connection grows. They enlist the help of several friends to set a trap for the stalker, but have to wonder if the stalker may be closer to them than they think. The action in this novel kicks off at the beginning and doesn't let up. As for the stalker, crazy is an understatement. The portions of the novel relating to the main characters' jobs comes across very realistic, and the romance had good chemistry without moving to fast.

I received a copy of this novel for review from Net Galley.