Monday, July 27, 2015

You Are Mine by Jackie Ashenden

Having never read this author or the first two books in this series, I had no idea what to expect.  I only knew that the cover caught my eye immediately and the desktop portion sounded interesting. When I was offered an ARC from Net Galley, I jumped on the chance to give this book a try. I'm glad I did. I now have a desire to go back and read the first two books. They are already in my wish list.

So, Zac and Eva, what a couple! Zach was all dark and broody but overprotective. Eva was fierce on the outside but frightened on the inside. Zac was her lifeline. He saved her years ago, but she had kept him at a distance due to her fears and insecurities. As the man who kidnapped her and held her captive years ago resurfaces and taunts her and her friends. Zac decides her can't protect her without working to demolish the barriers she has placed between the two of them. Eva feels safe within her neurosis. She loves Zac but fears letting go would ruin the friendship she can't live without

The story had tons of emotional ups and downs. It was like a full out roller coaster. It was very steamy and had light BDSM elements. It read well as a standalone and had plenty of mystery, suspense, and action. I'm ready to get started on books 1 and two.

Shadow Fall by Laura Griffin

This is the ninth book in this author's popular Tracers series. I am a big fan and have read every book in the series, so I was thrilled to get an ARC from Net Galley. Though this book is definitely more interesting when read as part of the series, it could easily be read as a standalone in my opinion. Some of my favorite Delphi Center employees pop up in this story, but very little of the previous books' events are discussed.

Shadow Fall focuses on Tara, a very driven, independent and focused FBI agent. She is sent to investigate the murder of a young woman. She immediately finds herself attracted to a handsome security specialist who is trying to butt in on the investigation. Unfortunately, he soon turns into a suspect. Liam refuses to allow suspicions to keep him from attempting to find the murderer. He also doesn't intend to stay away from Tara. Though her gruff headstrong ways would probably turn many others off, Liam finds Tara intriguing and pursues her by trying to help her investigation.

When more bodies are discovered and a serial killer revealed, Tara fits the profile of the killer's target victim perfectly. As the danger in her life escalates, she has to decide whether accepting Liam's help is worth the risk.

Laura Griffin is always an auto buy for me. The Tracers series has been great so far, and I can't wait to read more.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

The Scam by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

This is the fourth book in the Fox and O'Hare series which focuses on FBI agent Kate O'Hare and semi reformed criminal Nick Fox. In my opinion, Nick and Kate just get better and better with each book. Their back and forth banter and the way they constantly try to dance around their attraction to each other keeps me amused. In this book, Kate is doing most of the dancing around while Nick is pursuing. Honestly, I can't imagine why any woman wouldn't just hand herself over to Nick.

Kate and Nick are tasked with taking down a criminal casino owner who happens to love inflicting pain. He enjoys pain himself and wants to enjoy it with Kate. Nick is not about to let that happen, but he may not be able to avoid a little pain of his own. All the usual crew of misfits, including Kate's dad, come together to pull off the biggest scam yet and hopefully wipe out not just one but two bad guys.

I love this series. It has great chemistry, lots of action, a charming hero, and a woman who totally kicks butt and is proud of it. All the quirky secondary characters just make the story even more interesting. Just when I got happy about the ending, however, the authors threw in a bit of a curve ball. Now I absolutely can't wait for the next book!

I received an ARC for review from Net Galley.

Wicked Lies by Lora Leigh

Wicked Lies is the second book in the author's Men of Summer series. The name of this series conjures up images of fun and sun on the beach, but this book was nowhere close to that. It was actually set in the mountains where militia rules and secrets are a way of life. I had not read the first book but was still able to quickly dive right into this one.

Annie has been in hiding for years after a brutal attack leaves her mother dead and her believed to be dead as well. However, when the uncle who had been protecting her is killed, her only option is to follow the path he left for her and return to get hometown. She's been gone for years. Her appearance had changed, and she takes steps to change it further. Even her name is new. She works as an elementary teacher while she tries to investigate whoever wants her dead. She also tries to resist the advances of the only man she ever loved, Jazz. She knows he would never forgive her for letting him think she was dead.

Jazz, on the other hand, knows something is up with his little schoolteacher. He becomes even more suspicious after Annie's family asks him to investigate her . Even though they don't know who she is, they believe she is dangerous to the family and the militia type group they lead. Jazz is given a deadline to figure things out and get rid of Annie, but will he be able to let her go once he realizes her true identity and can he keep her alive until all is revealed?

I really enjoyed the book and found both Jazz and Cord, along with their respective brothers, to be great characters. I liked the backstory of the Kin and their mountain ways. The chemistry and emotion were intense, and the plotline was refreshingly a bit out of the norm.

I received an ARC through Net Galley for review.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Exposing the Heiress by Jennifer Apodaca

Although I haven't read any of the previous books in this series or even any other books by this author, I really enjoyed this story and didn't feel lost or behind at all. I did, however, add the previous books in the series to my wish list.

Alyssa and Hunt had known each other for years, since Alyssa was six years old and helping pester her best friend's older brother. All grown up now and in need of protection for both herself and a secret no one is ever supposed to know, Alyssa's first and only choice for help is Hunt. Hunt served as a Marine sniper and is now working in personal security. He remembers Alyssa fondly and is determined to help her. What he didn't count on is the undeniable attraction he feels for the adult version of the fourteen year old who had a crush on him. Between the two of them, secrets and scars abound, but slowly they find they can begin to trust and help heal each other. Unfortunately, Alyssa's ex is obsessed and doesn't care who he has to hurt in order to get her back. Hunt and the Once A Marine team have their work cut out for them protecting those important to Alyssa and trying to avoid the massive media smear campaign that is adding to the danger. In the end, the darkness Hunt is trying to shield Alyssa from may be the only tool he has to save her.

I have to say that I loved both of these main characters. They were so honest and blunt with each other. I also adored all of Hunt's little endearment for Alyssa. He handled her with such care, and Alyssa soaked it up like a sponge. The story was believable and had plenty of action and suspense to keep me reading until late at night to finish.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Written on my Heart by Cole Gibsen

This was my first experience with this author, but it is not likely to be my last. While I don't typically read books listed as YA, something about the description of this book when I saw it on Net Galley really caught my interest. When they offered me an ARC for review, I was excited, but then kept putting of reading it out of worry that it would read too young to keep my interest. Once I started the book, I realized I shouldn't have worried and was sucked in immediately. Both of the main characters had experienced so much in life, much of it hard, that they were old beyond their years.  

Ash is a barista at a coffee shop. She was recently thrown out of an extremely emotionally abusive home where she had been repeatedly beat over the head with her perceived faults for the last decade. She left with nothing and still had no friends and nothing really to claim as her own except for a meager savings she has been trying to build and a rented room in an apartment full off partiers.

Lane is a tattoo artist. It isn't what he planned to do with his life, but it makes him happy and provides a way for him to support his family. When Ash forms a bond with his sister, her co-worker at the coffee shop, Lane finds himself doing her a favor by covering up an old tattoo that brings bad memories. From there, the two begin a slow tap dance around each other. The interest is there, but Lane is keeping a very big secret, and the more time he spends with Ash, the more broken he realizes she is. Rather than making him want to push her away, her brokenness brings out his instinct to protect and help. Against all odds the two find themselves giving in to the pull of attraction and the deeper feelings they are developing. Unfortunately, just as things are going well, Ash's past comes to call and Lane's secret is revealed. Everything they have been moving toward is threatened and might just fall apart.

This was a deeply emotional story of two broken people trying to put to make their pieces fit together. I thought it was a great read.


Beware of Me by Cynthia Eden

This is the fourth book in this author's Dark Obsession series, and let me just say how much I love this series. The guys in this series are not soft; they are not nice, and they are not good. They are hard as stone and just as unbreakable...at least until the right woman comes along and twists their hearts into knots. Each story in this series can be read as a standalone, but I love them as a series in order. I especially recommend reading all the previous books before this one because they contain so much of Ethan's history and character. Personally, having already fallen in love with him from the other books, I totally couldn't wait to get into Ethan's story. Getting an ARC from Net Galley had me literally doing a happy dance.

Carly is living in New York. She has physically recovered from the gunshot wounds she received recently and its working a new job with a PR firm. She is shocked when Ethan shows up out of the blue and tells her she is in danger. She dismisses his fears just like she believes he dismissed her years ago, at least until an aggressive FBI agent shows up harassing her and also warning of danger. She doesn't really trust Ethan or the FBI, but once the danger makes a very real appearance, she realizes she needs help and must choose one of the two. Ethan refuses to give her any other option but him. He has loved her and looked after her for years from afar, but now that her has her in close proximity, he never plans to let her go.

The pace of this story moves quickly with plenty of danger and suspense. A few favorite characters from previous books pop in as well. Ethan was perfectly dark and a force to be reckoned with. When Carly's secrets were revealed, his need for her only grew. Carly was a force in and of herself as well. In the end, they each would kill to protect the other, but will they have to?

I love love loved this book. I was completely sucked in by the previous books in the series, but this one really blew me away. I can't wait for the next book to come out!

Taking Control by Jen Frederick

This book picks up right where book one, Losing Control, left off. If you haven't read book one, I strongly recommend you do so before reading this story. As with book one, Taking Control has underwent some revisions. It was actually released last year (2014), but the edition I received as an ARC from Net Galley is new and scheduled for release in August. I absolutely adored Tiny and Ian, so I really couldn't wait to get into this story.

Finally, Tiny is a little more secure about Ian's feelings, although doubts do surface at times. She is working a job that is safer than her bike job, but she doesn't enjoy it. Secretly, she still wants to help Ian with his revenge and begins trying to gather evidence on her own. Ian, on the other hand, is almost ready to give up his vengeance in order to keep Tiny safe. As the depth and seriousness of their relationship becomes more public knowledge, Ian fears his enemies will use Tiny against him. At the same time, her former step brother and step father are still hovering with intentions that leave Ian suspicious. Between problems within his company and worries about Tiny, Ian is getting hit from all sides. Luckily, he has great friends like Steve, Kaga, and Jake who are always there to help him out and back him up. I will be so thrilled if these guys end up with their own stories.

As with book one, I totally loved the characters. For me, this book started off a bit slower with more romance and lots of sex. I'm kinda of an action suspense junky myself, so I was happier once that angle began to take off. Overall, it was a great story, and this duo of books had me adding Jen Frederick to my list of favorite authors.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Losing Control by Jen Frederick

Apparently, this a newly revised version of a book by the same title which was released last year. The revised version will be released in August, 2015. Having not read the original version, I can't really comment on the quality or quantity of the revisions. I can only say that I completely loved this story and was easily hooked into loving these characters.

Ian is a billionaire out for revenge. The only thing is, he doesn't want his enemy to see the blow coming. He needs a distraction, a lure...bait. He contacts an underground provider to find just the right woman for the job. The provider sends his former step sister, Tiny, knowing her dyslexia will keep her from being able to read the contract. Ian is shocked when he sees who had been sent to him, the girl he had met on the street and felt an instant attraction to a day or so before. He likes Tiny and doesn't want to get her hurt, so he refuses to honor the contract. Unfortunately, Tiny is desperately trying to take care of her terminally sick mother and the related medical bills. She needs the money desperately and sets out to convince Ian to let her help him.

Ian's plan put Tiny in close proximity with a criminal who would use her and hurt her. Ian can't get her out of there fast enough. He realizes his feelings for Tiny are stronger than he thought. As he starts to shower Tiny with gifts, her insecurities increase along with her desire to show herself worthy and helpful to Ian by getting ever closer to gaining the information her needs to get his revenge. Ian has to ask himself if his revenge is worth possibly losing Tiny forever.

Although not every thread is tied at the end of this story, it is by no means a cliffhanger. It is, however, super sexy, deeply emotional, and slightly dark. I absolutely loved it.

Thanks, Net Galley, for providing an ARC  for review!

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

The Blind by Shelley Coriell

I'll start by saying that I love love love the Apostles series! I have been anxiously awaiting this book after having read the first two books. I was thrilled to be given an ARC for review from Net Galley.

The focus of this book, Evie, was such a great character. She was tough, blunt, forward, and outspoken but somehow still soft, approachable, and feminine. Jack was opinionated and overbearing yet also caring and thoughtful. The two of them together totally complimented each other. Evie brought out emotion in Jack while he helped temper hers.

A bomber is kidnapping women and using them to fulfill a deeply dark agenda. Jack has information which could point to motive. Evie had the skills to take the bomber down. Both Jack and Evie are so used to working alone that they end up eventually butting heads. The only question is whether they will be able to pull together and utilize each other's strengths before one of them ends up being the bomber's next victim.

I completely loved this story! I just finished it, and I'm already ready for more Apostles.

Additional reviews

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Monday, July 13, 2015

Untouchable by Cindy Skaggs

I was not familiar with this author when I chose this book. I really chose it more for the publisher, Entangled, since I tend to enjoy the books I get from them. Their Ignite label has a bit of a darker edge where the lines between good and bad blur just enough to make things interesting. This story was no different. Sofia has barely escaped the mob life she unwittingly married into and been given an unheard of divorce. Though she and her young son live alone now, they still are not free. Her ex has bodyguards and others watching her every move. Law enforcement also has eyes on her constantly due to suspicions that she remains connected to the mob. In short, Sofia lives under a microscope fearing her home is bugged and her belongings infiltrated with trackers. She has no peace. When her plan to escape with her son backfires, she inadvertently makes contact with Logan, an FBI agent undercover spying on her. Fearing she cannot go through with her plan, she ditches Logan and rushed to pick up her son only to find he is missing. Making a split second decision, Logan decides to follow Sofia and coerce her into letting him help her with her troubles. From that point on, he is sucked into the danger and illegalities of Sofia's world. Sofia doesn't want Logan's help, doesn't want him to get hurt, but will stop at nothing to save her son. The hunt for Sofia's son, Eli, takes the two into several dangerous situations but also has them warming up to each other. Unfortunately, Sofia's ex is determined to keep her an untouchable unless Logan is willing to take the one step that will free her and her son forever.

I enjoyed the story and how Sofia, the "ice queen" stated opening up to Logan. Sofia was strong yet vulnerable at the same time. She didn't let her fears stop her from making some bold decisions, but tended to be so distrustful that she never had help when she needed it. Thankfully, Logan was able to anticipate many of her decisions and help her despite all of her secrets and the risks to his future.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Wanted by Dee Tenorio

I adored this book and couldn't put it down. I started it earlier this evening and stayed up late to finish. I love suspense books that have deeper emotional issues to get caught up in. I want the danger, the action, and the chemistry, but I like for the characters to seem like real people with real emotional issues. This author managed to pull all of that into this story. I was especially hooked by the best friend angle mentioned in the book's description. Whitney and Rick had been friends for most of their lives. Whitney always wanted more but never let on. Rick had always loved and protected her, but had no idea how deep his love was until he was faced with losing it.

Rick is working on law enforcement in his hometown after returning from a disastrous mission in the middle east while in the military. He has determined to rid his town of the criminal enterprises which have taken over with the help of his friend, Cade. Cade apparently had his own story, but this book was my first experience with this author. Whitney is living in fear but covering it up with smiles and kindness. Everything in this story comes to head when the subject of Whitney's nightmares is found dead, and she becomes a primary suspect.Rick is willing to risk his career to clear Whitney's name, but remains afraid to risk his heart or understand how much he truly is wanted by her.

I will definitely have to look for Cade's story now since I really liked his character in this story.

I received an ARC for review from Net Galley.


Diamond Hunter by Madelle Morgan

This book was my first experience with this author. I found the setting of a tundra diamond drilling camp only accessible by plane to be very unique. The heroine, Petra, was a geologist with a little more spunk than caution.She tended to jump in with both feet only to discover the consequences later. Seth is a RCMP cop undercover as a pilot whose route goes back and forth to the diamond mind. When a chance encounter puts Petra in his path, Seth decides to enlist her help as a cover to get him deeper into the mining operation. Petra reluctantly agrees not realizing how much danger she will be bringing on herself. Seth finds himself constantly trying to keep the impetuous Petra out of trouble while keeping her close to himself. As the two become closer and more involved, it becomes harder for Seth to separate his job and his feelings for Petra.

The story moved along quickly and had plenty of action and chemistry. I enjoyed the details related to the diamond mining and the various plot twists and turns. It was well written and and interesting.

I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for review.

Friday, July 10, 2015

High Country Hideout by Elle James

High Country Hideout is the first book in a new series. The story features Angus, a man who has lost his leg in service to his country and is still trying to adjust both physically and emotionally. He finds himself recruited by a cover agency and sent to serve as bodyguard to a widowed rancher and her young son, without their knowledge. Once he arrives, Angus soon realizes that the threats against Reggie are real despite her denials. He tries to gain her trust and get her to drop some of her fierce independence and let him help her. The threats continually escalate with Reggie always the focus. Reggie is tough and determined not to be scared off her land or lose the ranch, her son's legacy from his deceased father. Angus doubts his physical abilities but knows he's all Reggie has. As he is helping her, Reggie also helps Angus heal. She is blunt and honest, and she and her adorable son, Tad, are exactly what he needs. The only question is whether a " one legged cowboy" can be enough to keep Reggie alive.

I really enjoyed the story and think it will turn out to be a fun series.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Second Chance Colton by Marie Ferrarella

This book is a part of The Coltons of Oklahoma series. Each book is written by a different author and focuses on one off the Colton siblings. I've read all but one of the series books and have enjoyed them. Throughout the series, Ryan, the police detective, had been front and center helping his siblings. Finally, he gets his own story.

Years ago, Ryan walked away from the woman he loved because he thought it was best for her. He never contacted her again until he found himself working in the same building as her. Susie never got over Ryan's betrayal, but still has a bit of a soft spot for helping him. When a body is found on the Colton ranch and Ryan is forced to bring in his sister for questioning, his siblings turn against him leaving only Susie to have his back. Susie believes the evidence is a set up, and she sets out to help Ryan free his sister and prove it. The only question is whether they will be able to keep working together once secrets from their past threaten their future.

This story answers a few questions from the previous books and opens up a whole new set of problems to be solved in the next book. I absolutely can't wait to read Greta's story. The excerpt at the end of this book was totally hot.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

The Hidden by Heather Graham

This book is part of a fairly large series called The Krewe of Hunters. I had read one of the books in this series a long time ago and really enjoyed it. I tend to read at least a book per day, so even though I planned to read more of this series, I had unfortunately forgotten the name of the series and the author by the time I remembered to check them out. Recently, I have tried a few other paranormal type series trying to find this one with no success. Thankfully, I spotted this book on Net Galley. As soon as I read the title, I knew this was what I'd been looking for and requested the book. I was so happy to get the ARC for review!

The Krewe of Hunters is a special FBI division with lots of special funding and leeway to investigate crimes with a paranormal type element. Diego's best friend and partner in the FBI has just joined the Krewe and issued an invitation to Diego. He is wavering about the decision until his ex-wife (whom he is still in love with) calls desperate for his help. He makes a snap decision to join the Krewe hoping their resources will get him to Scarlet faster.

In the meantime, Scarlet is seeing ghosts. They are even appearing on her camera making her the focus of a police murder investigation. Scarlet is terrified of the ghosts, but the when the Krewe arrives, they believe the ghosts may be trying to help. Working together with the ghosts might help the Krewe solve not only the recent murders but maybe even some decades old, however, can they help save Scarlet or will Diego have to continue learning to live without her?

I enjoyed the story and the characters, especially Daniel the ghost. There were enough plot turns to keep me guessing and enough action and chemistry to keep me turning pages. I'm so glad I found this series again!

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

A Lawman's Justice by Delores Fossen

This story is part of the author's Sweetwater Ranch series. I haven't read every book in this series yet, but I've read several. If you haven't at least read book one, I would not attempt any of the others because this is definitely one of those series where each couple gets some resolution at the end of their story, but several main plotlines are left open ended to carry throughout the series. This book in particular reveals the answers to write a few questions that have been hanging for a while even as it opens up all new cans of worms.

Seth's stepmother is in jail awaiting trial for killing Shelby's father many years ago. Seth maintains Jewell's innocence while Shelby works to make sure Jewell pays for her crime. When anonymous tips send them both to the same eerie crime scene, they become the focus of someone's deadly rage. Although Seth can't stand Shelby, his years serving the law won't let him leave her unprotected. He brings her to Sweetwater Ranch, enemy territory in her mind, in order to keep her safe. The two of them disagree at every turn, but neither can deny they have a strong chemistry. Giving in to their desires brings them minutely closer until a ghost from their past shows up to ruin it all and put Shelby at even greater risk. Seth is forced to choose between protecting his family or saving Shelby.

I really like this series and couldn't believe some of the awesome plot twists in this story. I'm totally ready for the next book.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Drawing Fire by Janice Cantore

I read and enjoyed one of this author's previous series, so I was pretty sure I would like this one too. The fact that the cover was really appealing also helped. The story is based around Abby, a homicide detective, and Luke, a private investigator. Both are trying to make sense of a tragic event in their past and find justice. Both are determined and have been working toward their goal for years. Through an odd twist of coincidence, the two find out their pasts are intimately intertwined. Despite each being overworked with other pressing cases, they begin working together to solve their past. Abby experiences pressure from her fiance and everyone close to her to stop her investigation, but Luke understands and helps her.  The story takes some unexpected twists and turns which keep the reader guessing and keeps the pace moving. I thought the action and suspense were well paced. The romantic elements were slight but added interest to the story. Overall, it was a great police suspense with Christian elements which read true to real life without the awkwardness some Christian novels have. While most of the storyline wrapped up at the end, a few remaining threads were left dangling to lead into the next book. I am really interested to see what happens next.

I was provided an ARC through Net Galley for review.