Thursday, December 31, 2015

HOT Protector by Lynne Raye Harris



I chose Lynn Raye Harris for my last book of 2015. I wanted to go out with a bang, and I knew she would get the job done with the newest HOT addition. This series is always dependable for sexy action and suspense with an interesting subplot trailing throughout. All the hot HOT guys combined with the newly introduced SEALS and the enigmatic Ian Black (yum!) are just icing on the cake.

Okay, so I'm going to start by saying that I really didn't like this cover to start with. It just came across too harsh to me until I started getting to know Chase in this story. Harsh is exactly how I would describe Chase. He is gruff, crude, foul mouthed, and ill tempered. He is also Sophie's very estranged step brother. When Sophie finds herself in danger with only minutes to decide where to turn, Chase seems like her only option. The only problem is that Chase doesn't believe her and doesn't want anything to do with her...at least until he becomes the victim of an attack targeting her. The two end up on the run together taking help from Chase's teammates as they can. Sophie is a super sweet people pleaser with generous proportions and a curvy figure. She is way too sweet and innocent for Chase, and he more than knows it. It doesn't stop him from lusting after her awesome curves or throwing verbal barbs at her to give himself some distance all while racing to get the evidence they need to make Sophie safe again. Though I couldn't think of a less likely pairing than Chase and Sophie, the longer they're together, the more they end up liking about each other. Their desire ramps up along with the danger, but in the end the two will only survive if Sophie can move beyond her people pleasing and Chase can admit to his softer feelings.

As always, I enjoyed this HOT story. I liked harsh Chase more than I expected to, and I was thrilled to read that Sophie was a curvy voluptuous woman. Her realistic struggles with foods and her self image make her so easy to identify with. The way Chase makes her feel during their intimate moments is what every woman needs to experience. I'm thrilled to make this my last book of the year.

I received an ARC from the publisher for review. Yay!!!

For Cam by Soraya Naomi


Wow! This was one roller coaster of a ride. All the books in this series so far have been emotional, but this one was in a class all its own. This book is the 4th in the Chicago Syndicate series. I've read them all and plan to keep reading them. Be forewarned, this is not your typical guy seems bad but really is good kind of story. These guys really are bad. They are mafia, and they are straight up criminals. Don't worry though, because you won't care. They can also be super softies and overprotective alphas with their women along with unreal sexy. Both the sex and the violence are graphically described, but not in a just for the sake of shocks type of way. It suits the situation and lifestyle. 

As far as this particular book, I totally adore Cam. She is blatantly sexy but also super strong and totally up to keeping Adriano in line. The two of them are like a match and dynamite....sparks and explosions everywhere! I don't want to give away the storyline, so I will just say that these two don't have an easy path to their happy ending. What they do have is the support of the family they have forged for themselves, especially Luca and Fallon ( the focus of books 1 and 2). 

All four of these books, but particularly this one, kept me tied up in knots and unable to stop reading. I'm so glad I found this series, and I hope book five comes out soon.

Monday, December 28, 2015

Lost in Her by Sandra Owens

Ryan was called home from a deployment to find his wife had been murdered. Not only was she dead, but she had betrayed him in the worst way. After that, he was so caught up in his grief and the betrayal that he let life pass him before the next year. Once he finally decides he is ready to get back out and try to let off a little tension at a local bar, his attempt to find an easy hookup is waylaid by a short spunky blonde pilot. Charlie is also looking for a no strings attached night, but chickens out believing Ryan couldn't possibly be interested in her. So begins the chase. Ryan is intrigued by Charlie but can't understand why she keeps running away from him. He is determined to get past her defenses and sets out to win her over with a charming pursuit. The romance and banter between the two of them is quirky and sweet and amusing. Unfortunately, someone is out to sabotage Charlie and her planes...maybe even permanently. Between Ryan's busy schedule training for an upcoming mission out of the country and Charlie's training for an aerobatic show, the two struggle to connect at times. Charlie continues to be in danger, but will Ryan even be in the country when she needs him or will he lose another woman he loves while trying to do his job?

Though this story didn't have as much action as some of the others in this series, the romance was completely endearing, and the characters were so easy to like.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Taking Fire by Cindy Gerard

Cindy Gerard is one of my favorite military style suspense authors. I adore this series, and I thought this was the best of the series so far. Bobby has been one of my favorites, and he totally need his own book. The story starts off 6 years in the past. I was concerned at first that this would be one of those books that jumps from present to past and back over and over, but that wasn't the case. The beginning of the book gave the background necessary to understand the rest of the story. It shows the love between Talia and Bobby and how everything fell apart through her betrayal. Fast forward to the present, and after 6 years without contact, Talia is forcefully thrust back into Bobby's life. The action hits right off the bat, and the two of them are on the run and out to save the one person who matters most to both of them. They can only succeed if they can trust each other enough to work together. Talia has never stopped loving Bobby, but even though he can't stop the chemistry which still burns between them, he cannot bring himself to let his anger go. Bobby just wants to complete this mission and get away from Talia before he loses control and does something he will regret. The more time he spends with her, the more he wants her and the life he believes they could have had.

It will take their combined resources to succeed and save the one they both love. The rest of the One-Eyed Jacks and Nate Black's team from the Black Ops series step in to help, but will it be enough to save Bobby and Talia, and will the two of them be able to conquer their past in order to save their future?

I love love love this author and always look forward to her new releases. 

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Into the Fury by Kat Martin

This was the first book in the author's new BOSS, Inc. series. It is a spinoff of her popular Brodies of Alaska series. Having read and enjoyed books 1 and 3 in that series, I was happily familiar with a few of the secondary characters who popped up in this story. Nick was a particular favorite.

Nick's cousin, Ethan, is the focus of this book. He works personal protection for his family's security firm and has just been assigned to protect several top lingerie models who have received threatening letters. Shortly after starting the assignment, Ethan notices Valentine Hart. He is immediately attracted to her but has his own reasons for avoiding beautiful women...all women really. Valentine is also attracted to Ethan, but she has goals to accomplish, and a relationship would just get in the way. Though she and Ethan set out to avoid each other, Ethan receives a personal request to keep a closer eye on Valentine since she is a close friend of a family member. Ethan takes family seriously and determines to honor the request. 

As the danger ramps up with the death of one of the other models, Ethan finds himself needing to be ever closer to Valentine. The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes she doesn't fit the preconceived notions he had about her based on her appearance and profession. Both he and Valentine soon lose the ability to resist each other, and things get downright steamy. The connection between them grows quickly, but the killer is not ready to give up. Just his association with Valentine puts Ethan's life in danger too. In the end, they will both have to fight to survive.

I liked the storyline and the familiar characters. I also enjoyed the secondary storyline involving Dirk and Meg. I'm glad they will be featured in book 2, and I look forward to checking it out.

I received and ARC from Net Galley for review.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Running Wilde by Tonya Burrows


Man, I love this series! It just gets better and better. Vaughn, grumpy, abrasive, moody, loyal and persistent Vaughn...so irresistible! I liked him from the start, but I loved him after what he did for his twin in the last book. The backstory for this couple starts there. Vaughn and Lark have a brief but deeply felt affair. When Lark senses herself getting too close and caring too much, she runs away to keep Vaughn safe from the danger he doesn't know is stalking her steps. 

Vaughn wakes up from a serious injury only to find Lark gone and his SEAL trident missing with her. He vows to find her and retrieve his pin no matter what. As soon as he is able, he heads to New Orleans hot on her trail. He doesn't realize he has attracted the attention of the very person she is running from and brought her tormentor right to her door. Vaughn tells himself he only wants to see Lark punished legally for her deceptions, but it doesn't take him long to realize that all he really wants is Lark...forever. Before he can have what he wants, he has to convince her to tell him who hunts her and let him help her end it. 

As is typical for this series, the story was full of super sexy suspense lots of action, and the oh so awesome Wilde brothers. Up next, Greer. I absolutely cannot wait to know what is going on with him. Hurry up book five!

I received an ARC from the publisher through Net Galley for review.

Nemesis by Stefanie Ross



According to what I've read, this is the first English translation by German author Stefanie Ross. I've read a couple of English translated books before without good results. This story, however, was wonderfully translated and easy to read. It did have a significant number of interconnected characters. I didn't love having the cast of characters at the beginning, but the further I got into the story, the more I needed it.

The basic premise of the story involves a group of Navy SEALS working covertly in conjunction with German law enforcement. When the son of one of the German officers is almost kidnapped, a plot to sell custom ordered children to deviants is revealed. Policewoman Sandra Meinke has already been looking into this situation on her own but is pulled into cooperation with the SEALS when an attempt on her life causes her to cross Daniel's path. Daniel and Sandra form a partnership in order to hunt down the kidnappers. In the process, they quickly form a more intimate type of partnership as well.

The characters in the story were really well developed and very easy to like. I would love to get more of the backstory on several of them. Both the contingency of SEALS and several German law enforcement officers act as backup and support for Daniel and Sandra. You get to know them and some of their families throughout the story.

The story kept a fast pace and maintained the suspense until the end. I enjoyed both the friendships described and especially the banter and closeness between Daniel and Sandra.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Friday, December 18, 2015

Believe by Natalie Gayle

This is the second book in the author's Oni Fighters series. Although I haven't read book one, it was pretty obvious that this story ( for the most part)  parallels book one rather than following sequentially. Believe is in first person and shifts perspectives between Ari and Dane throughout. The story is set in Australia and is written with Australian spellings, grammar, and colloquialisms. Personally, I thought it was a fun departure from what I usually read.

Ari is a single mom with a young son who has Aspergers. She has been the victim of an abusive relationship, and want to get as far away from violence as she can. Dane is an MMA fighter. He loves the sport and doesn't view it as violence, but rather discipline. When he helps Ari and her son out of a bad situation, he quickly wants to know her better. Ari is also attracted to Dane, but she holds herself away because of her zero tolerance for violence stance.

Despite their differences, the couple keeps being drawn together, and the relationship between Dane and Ari's son develops even faster. When the violence against Ari escalates, Dane doesn't exactly offer protection as much as demands he be allowed to give it. Ari has no family, so she gives in and places herself into much closer proximity with Dane. The couple argues and guides back and forth over the violence versus protection issue, but in the end, Dane's training and MMA capabilities may be the only things keeping Ari and her son safe.

I enjoyed both the setting and the story. Honestly, it started out a bit awkwardly for me, but after I got into it, I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.


Monday, December 14, 2015

The Fractured Heart by Scarlett Cole

I sooooo love this series! Book one was just amazing, but I liked this one just as well or maybe even better. The characters and environment the author has created are just so easy to connect to. Cujo was a favorite from the start, and who wouldn't love Drea and her never quit attitude? All the other characters from the shop such as Pixie and Lia just add to the atmosphere.

This particular book has Drea and Cujo pitted against each other in planning an engagement party for Harper and Trent from book one. They can't seem to agree on anything, but the fighting certainly seems to getting both of them hot ( and not just under the collar). Cujo avoids relationships like the plague, and Drea barely has time to sleep, much less worry about dating, so the two of them ignore the chemistry. They both want to give their friends the best part ever, so they agree to compromise. Just as things between them start to settle down, situations in their personal lives get totally out of hand.

Drea is already working all day and all night while taking care of her sick mother. When she is caught unaware and threatened closing up late at the cafe by kidnappers who take the only remaining customer, it throws her life into a greater state of chaos. As usual, she tries to handle everything on her own, but when Cujo gets pulled into the danger, he plans to help whether she wants him to or not. His home life is also not without drama. Cujo's long lost mom has returned and brought trouble with her.

This couple goes through so much in this story. It was very emotional with plenty of suspense and such great chemistry that couldn't put it down. I absolutely can't wait to get Pixie's story next. I'm so intrigued about her past!

Net Galley provided a copy for review.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Bride by Chocolate by Alexis Lusonne Montgomery

I had never read this author before, but the title and description were interesting, so I gave it a try. At first, I have to admit it started off slow and I really wasn't really sure about the intelligence of a man who committed himself to such a crazy superstitious plan for finding a wife. As soon as he met BeBe, however, everything changed. She totally threw him for a loop, and I loved it! She was nothing like his type but everything he never knew he needed. He realized it immediately but BeBe only saw herself as a means to an end for him...a distraction. He needed chocolates for his bride finding method, and BeBe needed to find out who is sabotaging her chocolate company. Their mutual needs keep BeBe believing he will be gone as soon as the problems are solved. Sam is determined to keep her forever at any cost, and he won't let anyone hurt her or the company.  Protecting her and solving the sabotage has Sam keeping BeBe with him constantly. Neither of them mind the time together, but BeBe knows her heart will be destroyed when Sam finally leaves. She is not his type. He hasn't followed his bride finding formulawith her. That must mean he doesn't want her in that way, but could he be willing to change things up and take a risk...for her?

I ended up really enjoying the characters of this story, especially Sam. It was a sweet sexy read with a nicely romantic flair.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.


Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Viral Justice by Julie Rowe


I haven't read all the books in this series, but I did read Lethal Game. It gave me some insight into Max, but I really think this story could easily be read as a standalone.

The Biological Response Team is a semi-covert division of the Army which is tasked with detecting, preventing, and reacting to biological warfare. Max is the head of the team, and Alicia is his newly assigned bodyguard and trainer. Alicia typically trains the best of the best, however Max's skills are anything but. His intelligence and humor are top notch, but due to situations from his past, he resists all efforts to train more aggressively in firearms and hand to hand combat. Despite his obstinance, Alicia can't deny her attraction to Max. He has no desire to resist Alicia and is frustrated by her attempts to protect their reputations and jobs.

When Max is needed to investigate an outbreak in a war torn area, Alicia and a small team travel with him. It could be a legitimate virus, or it could be a trap. Either way, they can't afford not to help. The situation turns out to be much more volatile than they expected, and they may end up having to take on a terrorist face to face.

As the couple works together in closer quarters and lethal circumstances, they both realize they have more between them than just lust. Each one is ready to do anything to make sure the other survives.

I am really enjoying this series so far. Thanks to Net Galley for providing a copy for review.

Headed for Trouble by Shiloh Walker


I loved this author's Ash Trilogy, but almost passed this series by because the cover looked more contemporary than suspense. The description didn't really sound super suspenseful either, but when the publisher offered me a copy for review through Net Galley, I couldn't turn it down. It turned out to be everything awesome I expect from this author. Honestly, who could resist a hulking super hot guy with a kind protective side who speaks with a Scottish accent and sports a kilt?

Ian and Neve meet when she walks into the bar he hopes to soon own. Neve has been running for a long time, and deadly danger is close on her heels. She is exhausted but ready to make a stand. She decides what better place than her hometown? Something in her mannerisms sets Ian's protective instincts into high gear. Something in her voice and eyes sets his blood boiling and leads to some outrageous chemistry...at least until he discovers Neve is his best friend's little sister...ouch! Once Neve's full story is revealed though, nothing will keep Ian from protecting her.

The suspense and action in this story keep a great pace, and the chemistry is off the charts. I loved the characters, especially Gideon and Neve's siblings. I'm totally ready for book two!

Known by Kendra Elliot


Okay, so I read the first book in this series, didn't love the style of it, and assumed I wouldn't like this author. I recently was given the opportunity to read her collaborative series, Rogue River, and her Callahan and McLane series. I totally enjoyed them both, so when an opportunity to read this book came my way, I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did. The story was suspenseful and action oriented from the start. The chemistry between Chris and Gianna was instant but thankfully not "instalove". Gianna was a spunky independent character and the perfect foil for Chris's ingrained loner tendencies. Both Gianna and Chris were single parents, and Gianna's teenage daughter was caught in the middle of all the danger. I especially liked how Chris made the teen feel secure and safe while remaining very circumspect and honorable with her.

The story in a nutshell starts when Chris finds Gianna stranded and unconscious in a snowstorm being cared for by her panicky daughter. With no other options available, Chris takes them to his cabin nearby to wait out the snow. In the meantime, both Chris and Gianna suspect foul play and prepare for the worst. As they face the danger head-on, the two discover how well matched they are and form an unbreakable connection. With danger stemming from secrets in both their pasts, there is no shortage of suspenseful action and plot twists.

I think I'm going to have to go back and check out the books I've missed in this series. I'm glad Net Galley offered me a copy of this book for review!