Stalked by Elizabeth Heiter

In this fourth book of another of my favorite series we find Evelyn called in to consult in the case of a missing teenager. Kyle is on a new squad since his injury in the last book sidelined his HRT career. He's not happy about the change, but it does put him closer to Evelyn. He and his new partner (a familiar face from a previous book) get called in on a possible human trafficking near where Evelyn is working, and that's where things get interesting. Kyle's human trafficking case may be a false report, Evelyn's missing teen could be a runaway, and maybe their cases could be related in some way. One person keeps popping up in both investigations, but could it just be coincidence?

I like how this series is somewhat of a cross between a police type procedural and a suspense. It has just enough procedure to make it interesting and pull in some psychological aspects but not enough to make it boring or slow. The stories are also not overwhelmingly passionate, but more and more you can see the depth of the connection between the two, especially on Kyle's end. I'm invested in them now and have to see where their relationship goes.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review, but the opinions are all my own.😀

Kill Without Shame by Alexandra Ivy

The first book in this series was my first experience with Alexandra Ivy. I decided then that it wouldn't be my last. I was so happy when I was able to get an ARC of this book from Net Galley. I honestly loved it as much as the first one. Unexpected reunions are some of my favorite storylines. Lucas and Mia haven't seen each other in years. The fault primarily lies with Lucas, and the way he handled things wasn't pretty. He realized his mistake shortly after making it and has secretly looked out for Mia ever since. Mia's life has never been easy, now someone may be out to hurt her, and the man who hurt her the worst has barged into her life.

Lucas knows now that he is back in Mia's life, he's never leaving. Mia, however, doesn't trust him at all. She realizes she needs his help, but hasn't figured out that she still holds his heart.  She doesn't go easy on Lucas, but he's determined. I enjoyed watching them find their way back together.

The suspense was well designed, and even though you pretty much guess who the villain is, the motivation is harder to figure out. On the romance end, I loved Lucas, mostly because he realized he was wrong and was ready to go the distance to make it right. I can't wait for book three!

Lost in Shadows by Anita DeVito

This was my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. I've already added Anita DeVito to my favorite author list. I adored Carolina and Jeb. Carolina was so very shy, but she didn't let Jeb order her around. She learned to stand up for herself and voice her opinions. Jeb was perfect for her. He anticipated her needs and was both attentive and protective. I loved how he handled her emotionally and by always physically touching her to keep her grounded.

There was plenty of action, mystery, and suspense along with really sweet and spicy romance. I'm definitely going to have to go back and read the first book in this series because I loved the characters so much.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Intense Pleasure by Lora Leigh

Lora Leigh's Bound series is the ultimate super guilty pleasure. These stories are definitely not something  could imagine working out in real life, but I absolutely can't stop reading them. I was unbelievably thrilled when I was granted an ARC from Net Galley instead of having to wait for the publication date. I've read every book in this series, and I knew from the interactions between these characters in the last book that I was going to enjoy this story. While each of these books can be read as a standalone, I think they are infinitely better read in the series.

Summer, Falcon, and Raeg have known each other for years and have worked together on missions in three past. Unfortunately the last one went badly and left Summer questioning everything. She has always been attracted to the half brothers Falcon and Raeg, but she's pretty sure Raeg hates her and Falcon just wants to take care of her. She doesn't believe they return her feelings. The brothers are used to sharing and getting what they want. While they both want Summer, a past promise/threat from their father keeps them at a distance due to their commitment not to let her matter too much.

Summer runs from the brothers, but they refuse to let her keep hiding when intel points to her life being in danger. They chase her to her hometown and despite the diligence and strength of her family's protection, they refuse to leave. Summer knows they won't stay forever, so she works hard to protect her heart even as she gives in to the temptation of passion for a time. Falcon and Raeg are lost in the desire for what they can't have, but what if everything they'd always believed was wrong?

Ultra naughty and beyond sexy, this book kept me entranced and ensured my husband had a really great night once I finished it. 😉

Overwhelming by Janie Crouch

A few years ago, Joe completely wrecked Laura. He not only broke up with her, but also destroyed her in the process. Since then, she has worked hard to rebuild herself and become successful. When an unexpected event brings Joe back into her life, she wants nothing to do with him. Joe, on the other hand, has never forgotten Laura and has always regretted what he did to her. He wants to make things right, but his draw dangerous attention to  because Joe has a stalker. His former girlfriends are turning up dead, and Laura also comes under attack. She and Joe end up having to work together to try to stay safe and stop the killings. Laura just doesn't know if she can keep her heart safe from Joe.

I chemistry was wonderful, and I loved how Joe understood how badly he had hurt Laura and was understanding and respectful of her. He made a great hero. I also liked that Laura took steps to protect herself from danger and from Joe when she needed to.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Hunter's Risk by Michelle Raven

Clint and his SEAL team rescued weapons expert Karen several years ago when she was held for ransom. There was definite chemistry between the two, but their connection was brief, and they didn't act on it since Karen was married at the time. Now, when Karen finds out she has been betrayed by the very person who is supposed to love her the most, she can think of only one person who could help her without their connection being traced, Clint. He left the SEAL unit and now works on his family farm, so it takes some effort to track him down and convince him to help. Clint uses his SEAL connections to enlist the help of a friend, and there ends up being a nice side story between the friend, Matt, and Clint's sister, Shannon.

The things I enjoyed about this book were the great chemistry between the couples, getting two for one with the addition of the Matt/Shannon storyline, and plenty of action/suspense. I didn't like the fact that Karen was married to someone other than Clint for the duration of the story, even though there were serious issues. I also was confused as to why Matt and Clint were so secretive with his family about the fact that they were SEALs. Otherwise, I really enjoyed it and would read more by this author.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Off the Rails by Jill Sorenson

Lots of action and drama make this novel fast moving and interesting. I enjoyed the south of the border setting and the way its beauty was expressed along with its challenges. While Ian was sort of a hard character with everything locked down tight, Maria was all openness and naivete. She was the light to his dark and the hope he was lacking. He was desperate for her and yet desperate to keep her safe by sending her away from him. Maria turned out to be more stubborn than he realized and determined to help him. The two of them set off across the country in an effort to save two endangered teens while dodging corrupt officials and cartels. They had a sweet passion, and both had protective natures that played out as they traveled along the dangerous migrant railway following the teens.

Maria was my favorite part of this story. Her innocence and optimism despite her traumatic past was refreshing.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

For Maggie's Sake by Lora Leigh

Though I have read a large number of Lora Leigh's books, I missed this one when it was previously published in an anthology. The gist of the storyline is that Maggie's late husband was an evil man who implicated her in his crimes. Her former lover and her late husband's best friend, Joe, is tasked with determining Maggie's true involvement and using her to find the evidence her husband hid before he died. Maggie and Joe have never stopped loving each other, but each one has felt the sting of the other's betrayal and is reluctant to trust again.

This was a fairly quick easy read with lots of the trademark Lora Leigh passion. It was definitely focused more on the tension and drama of their relationship with the action and suspense kicking in more toward the end. Honestly, I really can't think of Lora Leigh book I didn't like, and this was no exception.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Only For You by Naima Simone

This was my second book by this author, although I had not read the other two books in this series. Only For You worked well as a standalone. I quickly picked up on the main characters, and there was no real storyline carryover from the previous books for me to figure out.

Killian and Gabriella had been soulmates but had been separated for years. He felt like she had betrayed him and then deserted him. She had never stopped loving him but felt like he wanted nothing to do with her. This book was the culmination of their intensely sexy and emotionally difficult reunion.

I liked this story. It was a quickly easy read but still had a lot of emotion packed in. The hotness factor was through the roof, and I really liked the characters. Now I need to go back and read the first two books.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Hers to Heal by Vonnie Davis

 This book still had the same over the top characters as book one but was a bit more believable. The character development was a lot deeper as well. Reece was definitely my favorite character so far. He was tortured for information while in the service and conditioned himself to not to speak. That silence has carried over to his everyday life. Gina is the single mother who is his physical therapist. She makes up for his silence by talking constantly. Her adorable daughter talks even more than her and rules the ranch with her sweet smiles. Gina is attracted to Reece, but he avoids her. The attraction is mutual, but he doesn't want to admit it. Over time, Reece softens up and becomes attached to Gina and her daughter. When Reece gives his heart, he is all in. Gina, on the other hand, is hesitant once things start to get serious. When Reece becomes aware of a possible danger to the little girl he is beginning to see as his own, he pulls out all the stops and calls in the whole team, but will Gina forgive him for not involving her?

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

All the Dead Girls by Rita Herron

Beth and Ian grew up together although neither went by the names they now use. Beth used to be JJ, an unwanted foster kid. Ian used to have his step father's last name, but that was before his stepfather was convicted of kidnapping JJ and her foster sister. These two are unexpectedly thrown together when both are needed to work the same case of a mass grave uncovered by local flooding. The murder victims bear an uncanny resemblance to some of Beth's fleeting memories of her captivity. Beth is determined to recover her memories and find out what happened to her foster sister. Ian just wants to prove his step father's innocence. They seem to be at cross purposes but end up working together. It soon becomes obvious that someone wants to ensure Beth's memories remain buried, and maybe he wants to finish what he started with her years ago.

This was a really interesting romantic suspense with several twists and turns. I liked that I never knew exactly what was going to happen next, and enjoyed the protectiveness Ian displayed toward Beth.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Nico by Sarah Castille

Love, love, love! Oh my gosh, I am so in love with this book! I had never read Sarah Castille before, but she's on my favorite author list now. This story was phenomenal. I adored Nico and Mia and really all the characters. Mia was her own woman and worked hard to gain her freedom from her abusive mafia father and has severed most of her mafia connections. Her legitimate business brings her into contact with Nico. He is everything she shouldn't want. He's a capo from a rival family with a blood feud against hers. Their attraction is instant, but everyone and everything is against them. Just being seen together could be deadly for them. When an attack leaves the major crime families in disarray, life for Mia and Nico becomes even more perilous, however, in Nico's mind Mia is his, and he must risk everything to keep her.

I was hooked from page one and totally unable to put it down. Apparently the next book will be Nico's best friend Luca. I can't wait!

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

The Kill Sign by Nicole Christoff

I am always excited when a new book in this series comes out since I adore Jamie and her  intrepid action oriented ways. She goes after what is right regardless, and she is always all in. She starts out this book arriving to spend a romantic weekend with Barrett after months apart. As is typical for when this couple tries to get beyond first base, all manner of chaos erupts starting with a bomb. They manage to avoid injuries, but can't avoid the fallout. Barrett gets pulled into the official investigation while Jamie ends up investigating on her own once she discovers a connection to one of her former cases. It seems like Jamie is on her own until her favorite DEA agent shows up out of the blue. Marc wants Jamie and makes no secret of it. He also doesn't plan to let her face danger alone. With both Barrett and Marc trying to get a commitment out of her, her mentor and her best friend in danger, and her own life threatened more than once, Jamie may be in over her head.

At times I find myself rooting for Barrett and other times for Marc. I like them both, and while I want something to happen for Jamie romantically, I simply can't decide with who. I want to be loyal to Barrett, but Marc definitely seems to be more available for her. I really can't wait to see what happens.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Colton Christmas Protector by Beth Cornelison

If you like the Coltons series, then you will enjoy this book. This story continues and even ties up several storyline threads that have been woven throughout this series. I even had to root for Fowler at one point, and he has irritated me since the beginning.

Pen and Reid had known each other for a long time, but their recent relationship had been highly contentious since Pen believed Reid had killed her husband, his partner and best friend. Reid has always been attracted to Pen, but never acted on it. When she calls out of the blue needing help, he is shocked but hoping for a chance to change her mind about him. Pen is not ready to change her mind just yet, but she is willing to accept his help. Once he discovers she and her toddler son (the cutest part of the whole book) are in physical danger, he decides she is getting his protection as well.

This was a slow developing romance rather than love at first sight, and many of your favorite Coltons are briefly featured.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Make it Hurt by Jackie Ashenden

This story was every bit as sexy as the first book in this series. In fact, I liked the steamier aspects of this book even better than the first. As for the characters, Smith and Nora are both tough hard personalities. Years ago, Nora betrayed Smith, and he never let himself get over it. When a chance encounter brings them back together, he is determined to get his revenge. Nora needs his help, and he pretends to give it...with some serious strings attached. He has the perfect plan to get what he wants. Nora wants to make things right, but she doesn't plan to be bullied into anything. She agrees to Smith's plan but has no idea that things aren't at all what they seem.

I enjoy everything  Ashenden writes, and this story was no different. I did miss the action and suspense that was present in the first book where as this one was more tension and deception. Hopefully the suspense will pick back up with book three.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for a fair review.

Hard Compromise by Samanthe Beck

After starting the book, I didn't expect to end up liking Laurie. She was brash, not afraid of one night stands, and carried a huge chip on her shoulder. She was everything I tend to dislike in a character. Booker on the other hand was everything I love in a character. He was protective, bold, and sexy. I couldn't figure out what he wanted with Laurie...until I kept reading. The more I read, the more I began to understand Laurie along with her doubts, fears, and motivations. Booker was absolutely perfect for her and probably the only one who ever understood her fully. Their chemistry was electric and undeniable.

I loved the way this turned out, and now I feel the need to check out the first book in this series and anything else this author has written.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

His to Cherish by Stacey Lynn

Despite loving this series, I almost passed on this book because I was afraid the subject matter would be too hard. I'm so glad I didn't. It was truly amazing. I can't say it wasn't emotional and difficult because it really was, but it was also a realistic story of how the brokenness Aidan and Chelsea both experienced helped them understand each other and drew them together. While I loved the suspense elements of the other books in the series, this story was so compelling that I didn't notice the lack of suspense. I was completely drawn into the emotions and relationships. The Fireside series is quickly moving up to the top of my favorites list.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Explosive Forces by D.D. Ayres

Carly finds Noah unconscious inside a burning building because she hears his dog looking for help. She risks herself to save Noah and the dog, but is convinced her is the one who started the fire and consequently ruined her new store. She is more protective of the dog than him. Noah has a hard time convincing Carly of his innocence, but she eventually pairs up with him to get to the bottom of the problem. Carly is just as feisty as Noah is stubborn. The two throw off sparks everywhere. Despite not really being a pet person, Harley (the dog), is probably my favorite character. D.D. Ayres is always good at giving the animals in her stories real personalities. If you have enjoyed the other books in the series, you will like this one. If you haven't read any of her other books, this one works great as a standalone.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Runaway Colton by Karen Whiddon

Of the many different Colton books in the many different Colton series, I can't really think of one I didn't like. There are always difficult family dynamics but also a closeness between some of the siblings. In this case, Piper is close to some of the siblings, but the others suspect her of murdering her father. When the accusations fly, she leaves and decides to figure out what happened on her own. Her brother hires Cord to find her, but it's not really clear whether he is trying to help her or hurt her. Once Cord does locate Piper, he ends up helping her house in exchange for her help in locating his missing niece. The two of them are attracted from the start and make a great couple, but Piper's brother keeps stirring up trouble. Cord has no way of knowing if Piper really cares for him or if she is just as snobby as her brother and will ditch him once she's safe. Either way, he's committed to see it through to the end.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

To the Edge by Anna del Mar

This was definitely a much sexier side of this author than I've read in the couple of other books I've enjoyed by her. This was downright naughty with lots of kinky bedroom action, plenty of emotional drama, and a smidge of suspense. I tend to prefer a bit heavier hand with the suspense and a bit less in the bedroom, but I liked the characters, so I kept reading. Both Noah and Clara were strong despite their flaws. Noah's issues were severe, but he made a way to overcome them when it really counted. Clara also found her backbone at the perfect time. Overall, it was a smoking hot read for those who like a lot of dirty talk and kink in their romance.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Whole Latte by Caroline Fardig

Okay, so I've been reading this series from the beginning, and I have no idea how to describe this book without giving away too much of the story. There was a lot more drama and a lot more relationship issues. It also still had a couple of murders and plenty of action. As is typical for this series, I was never really sure who the actual bad guy/girl was until the end. It kept me guessing in many ways. As for Ryder and Jules, sparks flew, and they weren't always the good kind. I admit to not being happy about the direction Jules's love life was heading for a lot of the book, but was pretty satisfied in the end. I'm definitely interested in seeing where things go from here.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Her Enemy Protector Avery Flynn

This was my third book by a Avery Flynn, and all three have been a bit off the beaten track. I'll admit I had a hard time getting started in this book with the unusual country name and the whole queen and silver knights deal. It took me a little while to settle in to the story. Once I got into the characters though, things started moving more quickly. While this is not a suspense novel, it did have a decent amount of tension and drama. I ended up liking Lucas and Ruby more than I thought I would, especially Lucas. The chemistry between the two was combustible, and Ruby was refreshingly bold. A bit of action and danger at the end definitely added to my enjoyment and wrapped things up nicely.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

In Bed With the Billionaire by Jackie Ashenden

I love that Jackie Ashenden is not afraid to write some really bad guys but make you love them. This series in particular is full of them. Jericho is definitely not a good guy, and it is evident from the start. Temple is also no innocent shrinking violet. The two of them are like an out of control fire from the beginning despite neither of them wanting a connection. Each is looking to destroy the other, and they fully intend to do so. Unfortunately for their plans, their situations are intricately intertwined, and they end up needing each other almost as much as they want each other, whether they want to admit it or not.

Temple's employer and her sense of justice insist that Jericho must die, but the closer she gets to him, the more she doubts her judgement. Jericho has a plan, and Temple interferes with that plan. He knows his endgame, and caring about someone could shatter all his careful planning. Somehow though,  Jericho and Temple seem to understand each other's brokenness, and their connection entangled more and more strings around them. Since neither of them believe they can have their relationship and their justice, they each are left to choose between love and death.

This series is full of such complicated connections and relationships. I love all the twists and turns and dark emotions. Jackie Ashenden has a style of writing that paints a very vivid picture and draws you right into the middle of the story which is right where I want to be.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Family Sins by Sharon Sala

I have been a fan of Sharon Sala for while and have read many of her books.  This story was pretty different from what I usually expect from Ms. Sala. Family Sins is set in the mountains amid a community of close knit self sufficient friends and relatives. The murder of one of their own throws everything into chaos, especially when he leaves a message pointing directly to his killer.

Bowie doesn't come home often, but he was not leaving his family to deal with his father's murder alone. He backs his mother in her stand against her family and her determination to see that justice is served. In the meantime, he runs into his only love, Talia.

The story is a sweet emotional romance of reconnection surrounded by murder, grief, greed, family feuding, and violence. I found the setting and family dynamics interesting. Jesse, Bowie's brother, was an especially endearing character. I have no doubt I will read more of this series.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Necessary Evil by Jamie K. Schmidt

I was completely unfamiliar with Jamie K. Schmidt, but she's on my favorites list now. I love a book that can surprise me, and this one kept me guessing. I also can't resist a good bad guy. Evan/Evil totally fits that bill. Evil is not afraid to break the rules as long as justice is served. Lucy doesn't believe justice is served unless you follow the rules. They are an unlikely pair, but they certainly steam up the pages. The story rolls along at a quick pace, and there is always something going on to keep your attention. I got hooked on several of the characters, especially Sentinel. He apparently gets the next book in the series, so I am definitely reading that. The ending to this suspense was a bit of a shocker. I really didn't expect it to go the direction it did, but it made for a spectacularly unexpected finish. I completely enjoyed it.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Tempted by a Touch by Kris Rafferty

Having not read the first book in this series, I must admit to feeling a bit out of the loop at first. It's almost as if this book just picks up right in the middle of where book one left off. Thankfully, everything eventually recaps, and I caught up to the ongoing parts of the storyline quickly. Harper and Lucas dated for a while and both felt their their soul deep connection. Unfortunately, their ideas for what their future together should look like were vastly different, and Harper felt she had to let go. Lucas is still angry, but when another's actions place her in danger, he can't help but make sure she is protected. He also can't help but find her behavior suspicious at times. Harper is definitely hiding some dangerous secrets, but if she tells the truth she fears she will lose more than just Lucas.

I loved the cover for this book. It is what initially caught my interest since I was unfamiliar with this author. I ended up really getting into the story and the characters.  I especially enjoyed Caleb and am excited he will be getting his own story.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Behind Closed Doors by Lisa Renee Jones

I absolutely couldn't put this book down. Though  haven't read any of the Careless Whispers series, I had no problem falling right into this story.  I knew that would be the case since I've read several of the author's other books. I'm going to start by saying that Jason was one of the hottest sexiest male characters I've read in quite a while. I loved his pet names, and I loved his intense personality. Even though I know nothing about poker , I enjoyed the setting of the story . It was a bit outside my normal realm. The story starts with Skye who is struggling to manage two jobs and survive on her own without the help of her family and without very many friends. Her one new friend convinces her to buy a storage facility which is been abandoned. It is been put up for auction, and her friend make certain she ends up winning the bid. Little do they know all the trouble that one the decision will bring. Oddly enough, Trouble is the nickname Skye gives to Jason when she meets him. Trust doesn't come easily to her, and she definitely doesn't trust him. The feeling is mutual, since Jason doesn't trust her either. They strive to work out a deal which they believe will help them discover the truth of what lies between them and what is really going on with the stuff in that storage locker. Their deal also leads to travel to Las Vegas. Trouble follows them, however, and there quickly in the middle of a stressful situation. Thankfully, stress brings out the best and Jason. He is not about to fold. He is also not about to let Skye go. He is going to protect her with everything he has whether she wants him to or not. Someone is trying to blackmail him, and Skye has been pulled into the deadly game. Jason is used to winning the game he plays, and he intends to win this one as well.

 At least he made a great couple. They balance each other out perfectly. Jason was unbelievably sexy, and Skye was a very strong character to despite her many fears and flaws. I also now feel the need to read about Ella. She featured so prominently in this story, that she grabbed my curiosity.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Deader Homes and Gardens by Angie Fox

Verity and Frankie make such a fun ghost hunting duo, and when you throw sweet Ellis into the mix, you get the comedy, the spookiness, and a bit of romance. This particular case proves to be a bit more difficult and dangerous than most of Verity's past experiences, but as always, she forges on despite her fears driven by her need to fix things for others. Verity is extremely likable because she always tries to look at the upside of things, and she is willing to do without if it means some benefit for someone else. She is also not afraid to dive in headfirst, which is why Ellis is so perfect for her. He trusts her to handle herself but is still there when backup is needed.

This was a spooky fun story which can be read as a standalone but is so much better if you've read the series in order. You will definitely get hooked on Verity if you do.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Burning Obsession by Calista Fox

I was so excited when I opened my email and found an invitation from the author to read an ARC of this book. I just finished Burned series this book spins off of, and was definitely jonesing for more. Kyle had had a soft spot in my heart throughout the series, and I absolutely loved that this book was first person from his perspective. Tamera has had her eye on Kyle for a while, but he has been too wrapped up in Ari. Now that he has let go of that and reconciled that they are only meant to be friends, he finally notices Tamera. Tamera is beyond thrilled when Kyle finally asks her out, but their date is ruined when an irate man tries to attack her. As he is known to do, Kyle shifts into protection mode. Tamera doesn't mind since the danger continues to escalate as does her desire for Kyle.

I loved getting to check back in with Dane, Ari, and other favorite characters while finally getting a love interest for Kyle. Burning Obsession was intense and loaded with both passion and action right from the start. I was so into it that I read it non-stop. I don't know how Calista Fox can spin any more books out of this series, but I will be thrilled if she does.

Going Hard by Kelsey Browning

This was my first book by Kelsey Browning, but it definitely won't be the last. I was caught up in the story right from the beginning. The way the characters were crafted pulled me right into their world. Grif and his brothers were perfect in the way that they picked at each other and fought but still would never let anyone else mess with them. I wasn't sure what to think about Grif at first. He came off a bit shallow and vindictive when in reality he was anything but. Carlie Beth and Aubrey, on the other hand, were easy to love, as Grif soon found out. When Grif returns to his hometown to help out his brother, he finds himself in for several whopping surprises. These revelations have him stuck in town longer than he had planned. They also have him thinking about things he never considered before. Just as he begins to reach out for what he wants, it seems someone has decided to take it all away from him. Thankfully, his brothers have no intention of letting that happen, neither does Carlie Beth who is much tougher than she seems.

I truly couldn't put this down, and no matter which brother gets the next story, I'm definitely reading it. Steele Ridge is going on my automatic buy list!

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon is a master at writing characters you can't help but get attached to. I've been a fan for a long time and always consider her books to be a guaranteed great read. This one was no different. Finn and Dana both needed a bit of a get away from traumatic events in their lives, and somehow they end up neighbors in the remote woods. After an unusual first meeting, the two quickly become friends. As the days pass and their relationship starts to grow deeper, Dana begins to experience problems on her property. Finn believes his former military experience and his close proximity make him the ideal person to protect Dana if needed and to ferret out who is causing trouble.

As the title suggests, the plot definitely is tangled. I enjoyed the story and especially Finn and his brothers. I missed the first two books in this series, so now I know I need to go back and read Lance and Mac's stories.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Dark Corners by A.M. Madden

David and Maygen hit it off right from the start. David can't understand why he is so interested in her, but he is. He and Maygen are each hesitant to spill all their secrets to each other, but they slowly build a passionate relationship. Unfortunately, it is all built on deception, and once all is revealed, out may shatter everything and leave Maygen vulnerable.

I enjoyed this story much more than the last book in the series. The characters were relatable and believable. I especially thought the depiction of PTSD was accurate. It is a feature in many books, but as a counselor, I rarely find it shown as it truly is. The banter between David and Maygen was amusing, and it was a good counterpart to the seriousness of many of the other issues.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Slow Burn by E.B. Walters

Ron and Ashley have a past connection, but Ron is the only one aware of it. When he begins to receive anonymous clues leading him to Ashley, he uses false pretenses to try to get close to her. Ashley doesn't make his task easy, but Ron is nothing if not persistent. He begins to foster a relationship with her and ends up liking her more and more as he begins to see beyond the outward confidence she projects. Ashley succumbs to Ron's pressure to look further into her parents' deaths without realizing his secret motive. He realizes it will tear them apart if she finds out, so he just has to make sure she doesn't despite the danger that secret brings.

The title for this book was definitely appropriate. The relationship between the two characters was a nice slow burn leading to a building passion. While the villain was made obvious from the start, trying to determine who all was in on the plot added to the suspense and intrigue. I particularly liked the ending and the vindication it gave to a character I had been secretly rooting for.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Burned Hearts by Calista Fox

Finally, we get all the answers we've been waiting for! Ari and Dane are such a great couple, and though it hardly seems fair for them to go through so much, it definitely makes for a suspenseful and exciting story. When you add in the phenomenal chemistry, this series burns up the pages. I get completely caught up in it and can't stop reading. In this story, both Dane and Ari try to take on a lot on their own rather than together. They both have a difficult time since their strength is in their bond to each other. Kyle and Amano are doing their best to provide protection, but problems arise at every turn. Unfortunately for Ari and Dane, they are beginning to suspect that their problems might be closer to home than they thought. <br><br>I was definitely surprised by one of the culprits in the end, but another culprit was one I'd suspected through most of the series.I'm sad the series is complete, but hopeful to see books about several of the supporting characters, Kyle in particular. I will be so very mad if we don't get his story. He is an absolute favorite of mine.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

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HOT SEAL Rescue by Lynne Raye Harris

This was definitely my favorite HOT SEAL book so far though I have loved all the HOT books. Lynn Raye Harris just has a way of writing very likable believable characters that you just can't help but root for. Cody and Miranda really clicked for me. Cody was tough and decisive without some of the more domineering alpha qualities. Miranda reminded me of a lost girl. She had run from her family and gotten so lost in her work that she had forgotten to really live.  When these two meet, they light up the pages...until something goes terribly wrong. It's anyone's guess how they will ever be able to reconcile their differences and work together.

HOT is just so, well....Hot! All my favorite reoccurring characters were there, Cash, Lucky (I so love her.), and not the least of all, Ian Black. I swear when that sexy inwardly tortured man gets his own story, I might just swoon. I can't wait!

I received an ARC from the author for review.

Deep Under by Lisa Renee Jones

I read and loved the first three books in this series and loved them. The three Walker brothers and the people they have surrounded themselves with have sucked me in. So, while I will agree that this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series in order. It adds so much to this story to have the full background.

I love how Lisa Renee Jones creates characters who are nowhere close to perfect but yet perfect for each other. Kyle was one of my favorite characters in the last book. He was funny and yet tough at the same time. As he helped his friend search for a missing woman, he fell in love with her in the process before they even met. When an odd stroke of fate lands him as her bodyguard, he can hardly believe his luck.

Myla trusts no one but herself. She can't afford to. More lives are on the line than just hers. She wants to believe Kyle is as good as he appears, but that's not been her experience in the past. She sees herself as damaged and has no problem sacrificing herself if it will save others. She will save Kyle too before she lets him get hurt for her.

This was my favorite story  the series so far, mainly because of Myla. She was a captive, yet she maintained an inner strength and a will to survive. Overall, it was a wonderful story.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Travis Justice by Colleen Shannon

Zach and Hana couldn't have been any more different. Zach was former military with a cowboy's bearing while Hana was dark and fierce and half Japanese with samurai training. The combination shouldn't have worked, but it did. The story focused around a very valuable Samurai sword which formerly belonged to Hana's family. Zach's family now has possession of it, but Hana will do anything to get it back. Even the sparks that fly when she has an unexpected encounter with Zach aren't enough to dissuade her. Her need for the sword is life or death. Zach is captivated after their encounter. It becomes the impetus for making some decisions he has put off for too long. His ability to help Hana is key in his decisions, but can she trust him with her secrets, with her life?

Colleen Shannon has a very detailed descriptive way of writing that really creates nice imagery. I liked the characters, especially Zach's super brash mother and Hana's super savvy friend and trainer, and the unusual storyline.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Wrong for Me by Jackie Ashenden

Levi is back, and he has repayment in mind. The one person he believes owes him the most is his former best friend Rachel. He had dreams of a future for her and with her, but he believes her choices destroyed his dreams. Now that he's back, he is determined he will make those dreams a reality even if he has to coerce Rachel's cooperation. He doesn't care if his actions make her hate him; he will have his dreams. Rachel can't reconcile the boy who was her lifeline with the callous man he has become, but he has found a way to tie her to him, and she will have the fight of her life to get free...if she even still wants to.

Jackie Ashenden isn't afraid to take her readers outside of their comfort zones. She takes fatally flawed characters and somehow turns them around. I wasn't sure at first how this story was going to work out, but in her usual fashion, Ms. Ashenden has turned out a story I couldn't put down.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Wanted by Marissa Garner

FBI agent Dillon pretty much hates Kat since she literally left him at the alter and disappeared. Kat believes she had no other choice but to run. Her parents supported her and even moved away with her. When Kat notices unusual things happening at the nuclear power plant where she works, Dillon is her only option for help. Unfortunately for Kat, not just Dillon, but also his colleagues refuse to deal with her. It's not until Dillon finds out her life is in danger that he becomes marginally involved in helping her. The two begin to work out some of their issues, but Kat still has a huge secret to protect, one that is likely to destroy everything.

I enjoy Marissa Garner's books. This one had a few surprises and one really huge secret. I liked the characters even though I  disliked their choices at times. This was a good addition to the FBI Heat series.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

The Off Season by Colleen Thompson

Colleen Thompson has written a twisted novel of suspense that kept me guessing until the end. Every time I thought I knew what was really going on, something would come up that threw me off again. Personally, I love that in a book. Each character had depth and was truly flawed. It was easy to identify with the self doubt, grief, and regret over past mistakes.  The story had several creepy elements and a shocking ending. The slight romantic element was a bonus for me.  There are also a couple of secondary characters I would like to see get their own story.  This will not be my last book by this author.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

The Wild One by Riley Murphy

This was my first experience with this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Daisy was the stereotypical nerd.  She was uber smart and totally a bit out of sync with social norms. In an effort to prove her brother in law had a part in her sister's disappearance, she decides she needs a boyfriend. She not only needs a boyfriend, but also needs him to be dominant. To find out why, you will have to read the book. She hires Ben to act as boyfriend/covert bodyguard. Their first meeting was pretty hilarious, and things between them remained pretty amusing.  Their cover as a couple places them in very close proximity, and they quickly realize their chemistry is sparking.  Ben and Daisy each have their own agenda for the investigation, and neither is completely honest with the other, so their relationship may be doomed from the start. When the investigation turns dangerous, Ben calls in the team for back up while Daisy continues to try to solve the case on her own. Between them, maybe they can accomplish both of their goals.

I will definitely be reading more of this series. I loved the characters and the witty banter between Daisy and Ben.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Bang by Avery Flynn

Though I did not read the first book in the series, I thought this book worked just fine as a standalone. There were a lot of interesting characters with unusual personalities which made the book quite interesting. Tamara was definitely not your typical sweet nice heroine. She was prickly and closed off. Sometimes, she came across quite harshly. Fortunately, Isaac had a thing for blondes with an attitude. He spotted trouble coming before Tamara did and was determined she was going to let him help her. A bounty hunter was on her tail , and her former brother-in-law wanted to take her niece away from her. Tamara thought she had all of her troubles hidden and that no one on her team knew about them. She really didn't think they would be interested in helping her if they didn't know. She couldn't have been more wrong. Isaac and the rest of the team pull together to keep Tamara and her niece both safe.

 Even though I was not familiar with this series before now, I have read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past. I am happy to have another series to add to my reading list.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Take Me Deeper by Jackie Ashenden

The innuendo laden title should give you a clue that this is not a sweet little innocent romance. Neither Iris nor Zane could be considered sweet. Iris is a streetwise young woman with a feisty mouth and and one really big mistake chasing her down. Zane is gruff and no nonsense, and he has no sympathy for Iris, well he tries not to anyway. When he goes after her, he has a preconceived notion of who he thinks she is based on her file, but when someone tries to kill her before he can take her in, he has to adjust his thoughts. When Iris eventually tells him the truth, he reluctantly decides to help her. The chemistry between these two is blazing. Zane tries his best to resist her, but Iris is no wallflower and has no problem going after what she wants. When the danger heats up, Zane gets help from his brothers since rather than turn Iris in, he's decided to keep her.

Let me just say that I can't wait to read about Zane's brothers. I hope their stories are as spicy as this one.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Darkest Journey by Heather Graham

If you enjoy history, especially  Louisiana or civil war history, you will like this story. No, it's not a historical, but it does delve deep into the area's history in order to try to solve a mystery with the help of a few civil war ghosts and some reenactors.

Charlie is an actress, an actress who sees ghosts. When she discovers the body of one of the area's popular reenactors, she seeks help from the only man she knows will believe that she had help from a ghost. Ethan was the object of Charlie's youthful affections after he saved her life. He never saw her as more than a kid, and they grew apart. Charlie is no kid now, and Ethan notices. Charlie doesn't want too get hurt again, but her attraction to Ethan hasn't lessened. If anything, now that they're adults, she wants him even more. As the two of them work together, they inevitably grow closer. With a killer on the loose, Charlie goes undercover as a singer on a historical cruise. It will take Ethan, the Krewe, and a few helpful ghosts to keep her safe.

I have been a fan of the Krewe of Hunters series for quite a while. Several characters from the previous books showed up to help in this story, and the other secondary characters were also interesting. I especially liked the ghostly soldier who always showed up to help Charlie. The Krewe always makes for an interesting out of the ordinary read.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Beneath the Surface by Melynda Price

Asher and Quinn met at her sister's wedding. Sparks flew right of the bat, but they were extinguished quickly when Quinn catches Asher dead drunk and very definitely not alone. Things go downhill from there, and they part ways each hoping to never see the other again. Unfortunately, when Quinn finds she has a killer on her tail, her brother in law sends her to Asher for protection. Quinn knows Asher won't want anything to do with her, but she has no other options. Asher is furious at her arrival but won't turn her away. Things between them are contentious at best. As Asher begins to unravel the reasons that put Quinn in hiding, he also begins to see a different side of her and realizes he might actually like her.  Quinn also realizes Asher is not quite the player she assumed. She starts to warm up to him too, especially after she meets his family.  The two settle into a routine, but the killer is closer than they think, and Quinn's brother in law might have placed her right in his path by sending her to Asher.

I really enjoyed the secondary characters in this story, especially Asher's brothers. I could  Quinn's sister Violet and her husband Nikko had already been featured in a different book. I'm definitely going to have to check it out, because overprotective Nikko was hot. I'm hoping Asher's twin, Jax, gets the next story so we can find out what happened between him and his lovely nurse friend.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Conard County Marine by Rachel Lee

After a vicious attack resulting in loss of the last three years worth of memories, Kylie returns to her hometown to stay with her sister and get back on her feet. She plans to take some time alone to recuperate since being around people makes her nervous.  Her plans and her equilibrium are shaken when she arrives home to find that her sister has a guest. Coop is in town visiting his sister and her family while on leave from the Marines. With his sister's house packed full, he accepts the offer to stay with friends. When Kylie arrives, Coop immediately clues in to her skittishness around him. He gives her a wide berth at first, but gradually the two connect over his ability to relate to her emotions and fears. When it becomes clear that someone might want to make sure Kylie never remembers what happened to her, Coop is determined to ensure her safety.

Coop is a Marine, so obviously he is tough, but he is also very understanding, considerate, and patient with Kylie. Kylie grows and changes with Coop's help and eventually becomes more of her former self with confidence in becoming her new self. The story had a lot of sweet moments mixed in with the suspense and budding romance.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Dare You to Run by Dawn Ryder

I highly recommend you read book one before you start this one. Though each book has a definite end, threads of the story are woven throughout and not quite fully unraveled. Vitus was introduced in the previous book when he is dragged into helping his brother with some covert operations. Vitus, his brother, and a few other spec ops types are party of a highly classified unit working to uncover political corruption at the highest levels among other things. Damascus's father is one of those political officials. He is set to run for the  country's highest office, but he needs his daughter to toe the line and by remaining under his thumb. Damascus is resigned to her fate since she has bowed to her father's will for the last few years in order to protect Vitus. Vitus, on the other hand, is closed off and bitter. He has no idea what really happened when Damascus left him, so he views her as exactly what she portrays, a spoiled princess.

When a threat to Vitus comes to light, Damascus risks everything to keep him safe even though all he seems to feel for her is contempt.

The story features a very strong heroine and a highly cranky hero. There is plenty of action and no shortage of steaminess. I'm ready to see who gets featured in the next book.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

An Indecent Proposal by Katee Robert

I have been a serious fan of this series from the start. Katee Robert created a whole world of mafia families, and it sucked me right in. While each book in the series has its own definite ending, I recommend reading them in order for the best experience. This book especially needs the background because Cillian and Olivia are both highly affected by events in the previous books.

Cillian meets Olivia in the neighborhood bar. He is supposedly drowning his sorrows, and Olivia is working in the bar and trying to keep a low profile. Olivia believes Cillian is a threat to her currently trouble free existence especially once she learns his name is O'Malley. She is quite familiar with his family's business and wants nothing to do with it or him. Cillian attempts to give her space, but he's not going away. He wants her like nothing else he can remember in recent history. She makes him feel a spark of life again, but he may be risking his life by associating with her. Olivia has some big secrets, and she may be more of a threat than Cillian can imagine.

I love how all the relationships in this series tangle and circle back around. The O'Malley family has me completely locked in. Cillian was my favorite O'Malley so far, but I truly can't wait to see what happens with Sloan.  I love how Teague steps in to help his siblings, and how we get to see the dynamics of this family shift and change. Bring on book four!

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Dirty Little Lies by Lora Leigh

Lora Leigh writes some of the sexiest suspense I've ever read. I am also excited when she comes out with a new book. This book has been on my wish list for quite a while. I was thrilled when Net Galley offered me a copy for review. This story is part of a series set in the middle of a small community where a secret mountain militia type group operates. The group calls itself The Kin. It is made up of what seems to be close knit secretive families who see themselves as the last line of  America's defense.  Grace has been brought up in one of these families raised by her uncle after her father's murder. For most of her life, she has longed for the attention of Zack Richards. Zack, however, has secrets that cause him to always keep her at a distance for her protection. All the walls he has put between them come crashing down at once when he discovers a plot to harm Grace. The only way he can save her is to claim her as his, and he doesn't even think twice. Grace has other thoughts on the matter. She knows Zack doesn't see her for who she really is, and she doesn't want to just be a pawn in the games being played between their families. The danger to her heart is real, and she doesn't want to risk it.

Since Zack isn't taking no for an answer, she finds herself spirited away to Zack's home with her only option for protection being to convince the world that she and Zack are lovers.

I have really enjoyed this series. I highly recommend reading in order. Otherwise, you will be lost amid the Kin references and family dynamics. Lora Leigh always writes super sexy alpha heroes that really appeal to me, but her feisty strong heroines are my favorites. I especially liked the secondary characters in this book including Zack's brothers who were featured in the previous two books and Grace's brothers and cousins. This series could go on for a long time. I'm especially ready to read more about the twins, Mad and Beau-Remi.

The Stranger by Anna del Mar

I read and loved the first book in this series, so when an opportunity to read this one became available, I grabbed it. As with the first book, this story features a serviceman, Seth, struggling with the aftereffects of his service and the deaths of his brothers in arms. On his way home, Seth encounters a young woman wandering the snow covered road a bit too close to his well fortified home. Summer has been convinced to take an ill advised and impromptu trip to Alaska in search of her flighty missing sister. When she ends up stranded, the last thing she expects is an angry and accusatory reluctant rescuer. The two make a tentative truce until they can both get to shelter from the storm on their heels. The more time the two spend together, the more they understand and like each other, but between Summer's search for her sister and Seth's concerns regarding corporate sabotage of his family's company, danger is everywhere.

I enjoyed reading Summer's spunky Miss Fix it personally and Seth's gruff affection and wounded heart. The Alaskan setting added to the story's interest as well. I will absolutely be continuing to read this series.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Shelter Me by Stephanie Tyler

This novel captured my attention immediately. I first decided to read it because I loved the cover. Once I downloaded it and started to read, I was really hooked. The story had an edgy feel and a hint of darkness in the background. A painter with no memory hooks up with a man with no past, at least not one he's willing to share. I was intrigued. Ryn experienced a traumatic event as a ten that stole her memories and left her completely alone. She found a foster family and a new best friend but believes she must hide from the rest of the world. Her best friend convinces her that she is doing her painting a disservice by hiding and convinces her to host a showing of her art.  The day off the showing, she meets Lucas. She immediately feels a pull toward him despite knowing nothing about him. Lucas acts as though he already knows Ryn and knows she will be his. The two make a fantastic couple, but Lucas keeps so much from her. Ryn trust him, but so many suspicions swirl around him. The deeper the two connect with each other, the more Ryn discovers their pasts may have been connected as well.

This is book one in a series and does end with a bit of a cliffhanger. The next two books are coming out pretty closely though, so it didn't bother me to be left with a little suspense. I have so many ideas about where this story could go, and I can't wait to keep following it!

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

The darkest link by Scarlett Cole

I was impressed with how the author used this book to tie a lot of the series'strings together. Even though it could be read as a standalone, it is so much better within the context of the series. It has such rich and likeable characters not to mention a perfect setting.  Reconnecting with characters I have loved from previous books, especially Pixie, really makes me happy.

In this story one of the tattoo artists, Lia, is traveling to speak at a convention when she had car trouble. As she is stranded on the side of the road, her retro curvy style (and her legs) catch the attention of Kenny, a local garage owner. They are instantly attracted to each other and become involved in a no strings attached short of way pretty quickly. Everything is great until Lia's life is suddenly threatened and Kenny's real name and past show up right in his face. The combination shakes but doesn't break their connection. Unfortunately a killer might sever that connection forever if they don't find him first.

This was a great wrap up for the tattoo employees, and the excerpt for the next book made me so happy since Jordan tugged my heart like crazy in the last book. I can't wait to see what kind of woman it will take to restore his heart.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

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*OR link to smpromance.com: http://smpromance.com/suspense.html#darkest-link

The Right Kind of Trouble by Shiloh Walker

Finally, Moira and Gideon get their story! It feels like I've been waiting forever. I adore this author and this series especially, so I've read about this couple dancing around each other for a while. Gideon has put forth every effort to get Moira back, but she has harshly rejected him most of the time. She has her reasons, but she is the only one who knows or understand them. Now, Moira has come under attack. She has no idea why and no idea who to turn to. Most people in the town would turn to Gideon, but Moira is not sure she can. Gideon has finally decided to let her go and look for a future elsewhere. Years of rejection have finally jaded him just as Moira is reevaluating her reasons for ever letting him go in the first place. These two have always had a push pull kind of relationship, and it continues through this book. Ultimately Gideon has to make a decision to stay or go. One conclusion may bring about an end to Moira's life. The other might save it, but then who will save Gideon's heart if Moira continues to reject him?

I thought this storyline was perfect for Gideon and Moira. I liked how much Moira grew and changed throughout the book, and I enjoyed catching up with her siblings.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Shift by Sidney Bristol

Tori and Emery work together as part of a covert team run primarily by the FBI. Their cover is building high performance automobiles out of a local garage with the rest of their team. Emery has been in love with Tori for a while, but rather than tell her, he does everything he can behind the scenes tho keep her safe. He is known as the Walking Brain because he is a tech  wizard. Tori is a mechanic and loves getting her hands dirty.Secretly, she likes Emery too, but she's got a crazy past that keeps her from long term commitments. Everything shifts though when Emery hears that an assassin has been hired to kill Tori and her sister. He determines he will risk anything to keep Tori safe.

This story had characters that were easy to connect to, and lots of action involving hot cars. Tori and Emery were great together, and I liked the rest of the team too. It was an exciting story with an unusual setting. This is book two in a series, but I had no trouble reading it as a standalone.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Heart Strike by M.L. Buchman

M.L. Buchman writes some seriously realistic and sexy military romantic suspense. I love how his books make me feel like I am right in the middle of a true military mission. He also does a great job of giving each new character a distinct and interesting personality. I've read many of his books, and though the settings are familiar, each new set of characters brings something new to the table. I read the first book in this series and loved tough as nails Carla. Now we have Melissa, the second female to make Delta. Carla 2.0?  No way. Melissa has a serious hate on for Carla and is shocked to find herself assigned to the same team. She and Carla butt heads in no time, but Melissa forms an immediate connection with the team's tech wizard, Richie. Richie was just an amazing character in my opinion. I loved how Melissa divided his personality into different personas in her mind. He was so  sweet and sometimes socially clueless but no less a warrior.

The story had a lot of chemistry and plenty of military style action. Melissa and Richie bond quickly, but her presence on the team is causing some fractures. They all have to find a way to work together, or a major drug refiner and distributor may get away free and clear.

No question I will keep reading this series. I'm very curious who the next book will feature.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Man of Honor by Diana Gardin

Several years ago, Drake and Mea hooked up. They had one amazing night, then Mea fled and has spent the last few years avoiding Drake like the plague. He has no idea what caused her shift in attitude and has never stopped wanting her. When his mother's death leads him down a dark road, surprisingly, it's Mea who comes to his rescue. As she begins to soften toward him, he works hard to find out what causes her to keep herself so closed off. Mea has some pretty big secrets she keeps. She believes her secrets would change everyone's opinion of her, so she suffers in silence. Though Mea begins to let Drake in physically, she sees he is struggling with his own demons. His problems make her unwilling to trust him until her situation becomes dangerous. Can he straighten up in time to help her?

This novel deals with some pretty dark issues that might be triggers for some. While description was necessary to the storyline, the author didn't glorify the issues or dwell there unnecessarily. This was my first experience with this author, but I definitely will be checking out more of her work.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Worked Up by Tessa Bailey

I really enjoy reading Tessa Bailey. I was completely addicted to her Crossing the Lines series and am working my way through the Line of Duty series. This is the first book in a new series set in New Jersey. Samantha has a job she enjoys as an illustrator of children's books. She has a dream of using her talent as an outreach, and her brother has agreed to back her...with certain conditions. When  Sam feels she has no choice but to violate one of the terms, she heads to Jersey to see her brother in person. Since he is out of town when she arrives, she decides to be a bit adventurous and take in some local color. When she finds herself in a bit of a situation in the town bar, a giant disguised as a man intervenes. Duke is a former military man now working in his hometown at the local factory. He is a fixer and a rescuer at heart. Though he tries not to, he ends up taking Sam under his wing just as he has his a four sisters and his best friend's family. Neither Sam nor Duke want a relationship, quite the opposite actually, so when a quick marriage occurs to Duke as a solution for Sam's problems, he shocks himself by proposing. The question is are they experiencing real feelings for each other or is this just another instance of Duke making a sacrifice to save someone. It takes a dangerously momentous event for them to realize the truth.

Though this wasn't as suspenseful as the Crossing the Line series, it definitely still had that total and completely  alpha hero. No one does good bad guys like  Tessa Bailey! Duke's sisters were also really interesting over the top characters. I hope one of them gets the next book.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Follow Me by Tiffany Snow

Tiffany Snow is at the absolute top of my favorite authors list.  I was over the top thrilled when Net Galley granted me a copy to review! Though I've enjoyed all her series, the Kathleen Turner series has remained the penultimate romantic suspense story of all time for me. I'm hoping China Mack will even surpass that.

China Mack is our heroine of the story. She's a super smart petite computer prodigy with a not so slight touch of OCD. Her ability to read social cues is somewhat impaired as well which leads to plenty of amusing incidents. Since Tiffany Snow is the queen of triangles, this story includes two possible male interests. Clark is the sexy brand new neighbor who is interested in China from the get go and likes to move things along pretty fast. Jackson is China's boss whom she's been infatuated with for years. He has never seemed to notice her existence before, but now he needs her for a top secret project, and he's throwing out subtle hints he might need her for something more.

When strange occurrences and mysterious deaths begin to plague China's new work project, both men have their own reasons for wanting to protect her. It's up to China to figure out which one is truly only out to help himself. Maybe they both have their own agendas. Maybe the only person she can trust is herself.

One of my favorite things about a Tiffany Snow series is how the fans chose teams based on which guy they are pulling for. It is one of the first things my book buddy and I discuss when reading Ms. Snow. We have been on opposite sides of the fence a couple of times, and I find that to be the supreme compliment to Ms. Snow's skill in creating characters that keep us all guessing until the end and being willing to fight for our guy. So far, I'm placing myself on team Jackson, but that may change as more information is revealed in future books. Write fast, Tiffany Snow!

Only Her by Sandra Owens

This book is the fifth book in one of my favorite series. Though the covers kind of gives a mushy romance impression, let me assure you, this author writes great suspense. I've enjoyed every book in the series including this one. Each book had the perfect blend of great romantic chemistry, believable characters, and tension building suspense.

In this story, Cody (Dog) moves in across the street from Riley with his two dogs after returning from a rough tour overseas. Being a vet, Riley immediately takes notice of the guitar playing loner and his pets. Their initial meeting doesn't go well, but fate keeps throwing these two together despite Cody's silent demeanor and his determination to avoid all relationships. When Riley's animal patients start dying under mysterious circumstances, Cody can't help but step up to protect her despite his misgivings. Their mutual love of animals helps them work together to find out who is targeting Riley and why.

This was a great addition to the series. As always, I enjoy getting to revisit characters from the previous books for updates on their relationships. Riley's cats and Cody's dogs added a lot of personality to the story and helped soften their bold personalities.  I'm ready for whatever comes next for this series.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Her Survivor by Vonnie Davis

This author was not familiar to me, but the description sounded promising since I enjoy reading books with military heroes/heroines. The ranch style small town setting was interesting and fun. The story was full of quirky characters who were sometimes a bit over the top but always amusing to read. Kelcee was spunky and didn't let Dustin run over her even though he was rude and temperamental with her at first. Dustin had come to the small town to try to find a place where he could learn to cope with his PTSD issues. As a former counselor, I'd say the depiction of the PTSD issues was pretty realistic. I loved how Nance, a former military dog, does so much to help bring healing.

Though Kelcee and Dustin have a rough start, once they connect, their bond is tight. Dustin begins helping Kelcee around her bookstore, and she shows him the intriguing features of the town. Kelcee isn't exactly who she seems though. She has a dangerous secret that could put both of them in danger.

Nance and Dustin's teammates were favorites of mine in the story. I'm sure I will read more of this series since they engaged my curiosity.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Bound to the Bounty Hunter by Hayson Manning

Harlan and Sophie have a love hate relationship from the start. They love to get in little verbal jabs at each other and hate when the other bests them. An altercation in the past has Sophie willing to do almost anything to avoid Harlan. Unfortunately for Harlan, he has been hired to spy on Sophie while also covertly protecting her. Stranger still, Sophie's latest investigation is leading straight toward Harlan's employer. It is definitely an investigation someone doesn't want her to compete, and eventually she will need Harlan's cooperation as well as his protection. 

I enjoyed the quirky banter between Sophie and Harlan. I also liked that super tough Sophie had a soft compassionate side. Sophie's dog, Pongo, had me greatly amused as well. This was a new author for made, but I will definitely be looking for more.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Even the Score by Beth Ehemann

I'm normally not at all into sports related books even if they are within the romance or suspense genre, and I wasn't familiar at all with this author, but the description of this book caught my attention.  I liked Andy and Dani right from the start. I also enjoyed all the secondary characters like Andy's employees and friends (a couple of which I now know have books of their own) and Andy's sweet kids. The story starts out with Dani joining  Andy's sports management firm after a strife filled split with her former agency.  She fits in perfectly at Andy's firm, but soon she begins to be harassed. Even though she is certain she knows who's causing the trouble and eventually reports it, Andy's protective instincts kick into high gear, and the couple grows closer. In the end though, the source of the danger may be closer than either of them realize.

I thought I knew who the perpetrator was the whole time, but was surprised in the end. I really enjoyed the story. It had everything, sweet moments, spicy chemistry, humor, and suspense. I will definitely be checking out more by this author.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Wrong Question, Right Answer by Elle Casey

I so loved this book! I've been impatiently waiting for Toni's story since the beginning of the series. Lucky completely pulled my heart in the last book, so I was so happy to see them get together. Both of them were so hurt inside but had loved each other for longer than they realized. An unexpected situation that could be happy and/or stressful puts Lucky and Toni in closer proximity than ever. While still working cases for the Bourbon Street Boys, the two of them also have to try to work through their personal issues. The story has lots of ups and downs emotionally and even some suspenseful and surprising moments. I loved how the characters transformed and grew throughout the book. Now, only one Bourbon Street Boy is still left standing single. I can't wait to read his story!

Dangerous Protector by Katie Reus

This is a favorite series of mine, so of course I've read all the books and was totally ready to get my hands on this one. I'll start by saying I really like the cover. I don't recall being familiar with these characters from the other books, but it's definitely possible I just don't remember because it's been a while and I've read numerous books between these. Aaron is a member of Red Stone and works directly for Porter. Tegan is an assistant at the bake shop Aaron, his son, and his family frequent. Tegan has been attracted to Aaron from the start despite finding him to be a bit standoffish. Aaron and his young son are used to being alone and don't trust easy, but this doesn't stop him from noticing Tegan. It does stop him from allowing her any ideas about the two of them. All that flies out the window though when Tegan is almost killed and Aaron realizes he could have missed the opportunity to really know her. He steps in as her caretaker and protector of convenience since she doesn't really have any family and he has the training and resources to help. Tegan is conflicted because more than anything, she wants to keep the people around her safe, especially Aaron and his son. Aaron won't let her refuse his help and won't let her run. The two quickly grow much closer since Aaron has decided not to waste any more time hiding from his interest. Aaron just had to make sure he keeps her alive long enough to make her love him too.

I enjoyed this story and loved all the little ties to previous favorite characters. While these are fairly short novels, the author packs a lot into a little time and doesn't rush the endings. I'm always ready for more Red Stone.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Colton Cowboy by Carla Cassidy

I have enjoyed many of the Colton family books and really hoped Josie would get her own happy ending after having been in hiding for so long trying to protect her family. Josie is suddenly free to do anything she wants, but she has no idea what that is. She wants to get to know her siblings but doesn't yet feel like she fits in. Throughout this series the r Colton siblings have been sent on wild goose chases by their father who is in prison. The final test is finding a watch he his long ago. Josie wants to take on this task for her family, so she travels to a distant uncle's ranch where it is supposed to be hidden. Shortly after her arrival her uncle disappears and foul play is suspected. She is not allowed to leave, so when the ranch foreman's flighty live in nanny unexpectedly quits, Josie steps in to help. She and Tanner, the foreman, get along great, and their attraction is quickly evident. Josie is young and inexperienced, but she knows exactly what she wants. Tanner won't let himself fall for Josie. He feels he is much too old for her and would just hold her back. In the midst of their budding relationship, Josie continues to search for the watch. Her search proves to be more dangerous than she anticipated since someone else has been waiting a long time to get his/her hands on it.  Tanner is willing to give his life to keep her safe, but he doesn't want to give her his heart.

This was a sweet story with great characters. I especially enjoyed the little twins. They were so cute, and their pet names were adorable. Josie had a little girl lost quality that was appealing, and Tanner was a great dad.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Reclaim by Beth Yarnall

The third book in the Recovered Innocence series, this the story of Nolan, one of the newest Nash employees. Nolan was one of the most intriguing characters I've read in a while. He was always trying to do the right things, but he often went about it in what others might consider the wrong way. Sometimes things worked out great, but more often, Nolan pretty much figured he was destined to screw things up. He was realistic about his own abilities but determined to keep on trying. When he ge gets the assignment of a lifetime, pairing with Lila in an effort to clear a mother accused of murdering her son, he doesn't feel like he's the best choice. Lila isn't too sure he is either. He soon wins her over with his charm and up front nature even though his tendency to bend (break) the rules drives her nuts. He gets results though, so she goes along. As the two get closer to each other and closer to the truth, they realize that someone needs their client to take the fall and doesn't care who else gets hurt in the process of making that happen.

I loved the book and loved the contrast between Nolan the screw up and perfect Lila. This is a great series I hope to read more of.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Visibly Broken by Chelsea Camaron and M.j. Fields

Be forewarned, if you don't like ultra  ultra dirty talking bad boys, this is not the book for you. On the other hand, if you like your book boyfriends a bit on the dark side, get busy reading. If you are familiar with the Caldwell brothers series, you will recognize Cobra from Jagger's book. I'm so glad the authors decided to tell his story!

So you already know Cobra (Jason) is not a good guy. When he meets Lorraine (Lo), he thinks she is an angel. He soon discovers she is not just a little bit crazy. The two make a really unusual couple. Their chemistry is off the charts even though it stays off in an unusual way. This results in a lot of over 18 type content that could never in a million years be described as sweet love making. A dangerous plot also accompanies all this super hot content. Lo is constantly putting herself at risk and get life on hold in an effort to get revenge for the murder of her family. Jason does the same thing trying to outrun his family and his memories. When their two purposes collide, things get a little crazy, but Jason is determined to protect Lo, especially from herself.

I was completely invested in Lo and Jason finding a happy end, and I really liked how the authors brought about the resolution. I'm hoping they will now give Jason's friend, Brock, a story.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Not Quite Perfect by Catherine Bybee

Glen and Mary met about a year ago. The attraction was there, but neither acted on it. When the arrival of a mutual friend's baby throws them back together, Glen finally decides to make a move. Mary knows Glen has been an unrepentant player, so she expects him to pull out the charm and smiles for their first date. What she didn't expect was all the planning and thoughtfulness he invests into giving her an unforgettable night with no strings attached at the end. Living on opposite sides of the country doesn't deter Glen at all. As a pilot and part owner in his  family's luxury charter business, he either hops a plane to see her or sends one to bring her to him. Mary can't believe how happy she is. She's not used to someone caring so much or so many good things happening. She is more used to being unwanted, and while Glen definitely wants her, he is not the only one. Shortly into their relationship, it becomes obvious that someone is out to harass her. Despite the distance between them, Glen takes every measure he can to ensure Mary is safe, but he can't be there all the time. Someone else wants to keep Mary "safe" as well, and as soon as Glen is gone, he plans to make her his.

I grabbed this book because I loved the author's Weekday Brides series. I had read the first two books in this series but didn't keep reading it because I tend to be a suspense junky, and there wasn't much there. The description for this book gave me hope that the suspense might be there, and was it ever! I fully enjoyed the book and ended up wishing I'd read books 3 and 4 since those characters played heavily in this story. I've already added them to my to be read que.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Repressed by Elisabeth Naughton

I loved this book!  The characters drew me in from the start. Samantha was a fierce though talking chemistry teacher. She hated being back in her home town because it borough nothing but bad memories and now a laundry list of pranks she attributes to her disgruntled students. Ethan also has bad memories of this town. Thankfully he is a different person from who he was when he lived there. His life has come full circle, and he is in town to help one of Samantha's students whose behavior is eerily familiar. Ethan was so kind and gentle and caring but still fiercely protective. I especially loved reading from his perspective as the book alternated points of view. When Ethan and Samantha cross paths the attraction is instant and mutual, but while Ethan immediately pursues, Samantha sounds the retreat. As Ethan works on tearing down her defenses, the threats against Samantha escalate. Both of them begin to suspect ties to the past, but neither is fully open with the other about those suspicions. The suspense and tension were strong as the intersection of their pasts became inevitable. I found myself strongly suspecting what was coming but begging in my head for that not to be where things went. As the best books do though, it went there. Suddenly, it wasn't even about whether their relationship could survive the past, but rather whether they could escape it with their lives.

I have been a fan of this author for a while due to her Aegis series, but I almost think I liked this book even better than those. It was a great read that kept me connected from the start.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Ultimate by Piper J. Drake

Having not read the first book in this series, I had no problem reading this as a standalone. Alex and his two buddies are former military now operating their own training facility for military  dogs and also obedience training for local animals. Elisa  is scared of Alex in their first chance encounter, but when fate throws them back together again, he works hard not to spook her recognizing her skittish behavior as a red flag for deeper problems. Once Alex gets Elisa to open up, not only is he not scared to stand with her, but he enlists the help of his friends as well. The two both have some PTSD type issues they have to learn to work around, but they make progress with the help of one of the dogs in training. In the end when danger strikes, the dog who loves them might be the one to save them.

I liked the characters and especially the relationship between Alex, Elisa, and their canine pal. I will probably go back and check out book one now.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Forged in Smoke by Trish McCallan

This series is military romantic suspense with just a hint of paranormal. I have read all the books in the series so far, and I can't wait for the next book because I hope it's Mac's.  I don't recommend reading this as a standalone, but if you decide to try it, there is a "sitrep" at the beginning and a run down of the characters. Those aspects along with the glossary of military terms and of Arapaho  we're huge bonuses in my mind. I read so quickly that I usually have to go back and reread the previous books to remember what was going on. This kept me from having to do that.

This story focused on Rawls and one of the scientists they rescued in the previous book, Faith. Faith is not only dealing with the fallout of losing her colleagues but also some serious health concerns.  She is pretty much a giant ball of nerves. Rawls is recovering from a deadly  experience and dealing with a new ability which brings with it dangerous challenges and scepticism from his teammates. Neither of them is in a good place for starting a relationship, but they can't ignore the chemistry between them.  Situations out of their control throw them together, and they begin to grow attached even while dodging the attacks of enemies out to destroy them and searching for Faith's kidnapped colleagues.

All the couples from the previous books were still highly involved in this story since a large part of the storyline continues from book to book.  I can't wait to see what happens next!

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Beautifully Decadent by L.A. Fiore

L.A. Fiore has been my favorite authors list for a very long time. I have read all three books in the series now, but I have loved every single one. In my opinion, this series has just gotten better and better. This book especially was a great mix of humor, charm, and suspense. The characters were amazing as always , and I loved getting to check in and catch up with the characters from the first two books. This story starts out with Avery. Avery is a chef who specializes in desserts and pastries. She is finally gotten her dream job but it requires a move and she needs a place to stay. Her new boss sets her up renting a place from his best friend Rafe. Rafe is a loner. He is a craftsman who works from his own garage , and he is not at all sure he is ready for the whirlwind that is Avery. Fortunately, he finds himself amused by her quirky nature, the freedom with which she expresses herself, and the desserts that she is constantly baking and sharing. With his father being released from prison after a long sentence, Rafe needs the lightness that Avery brings to his life. Avery, on the other hand, finds herself drooling over Rafe from the start. Much comedy ensues around trying to get good looks at Rafe and his buddies when they are not aware. With both Avery and Rafe interested in each other, things should've been smooth sailing, but that's not how suspense works. Someone has been trying to break into Rafe's house, and other strange things have been happening. When you add in an ex-girlfriend who doesn't want to let go, the situation gets even more complicated. Avery ends up caught in the middle, and it could cost her her life.

 I really enjoy suspense stories which bring in plenty of humor. Being able to listen in on the thoughts going on in Rafe's head was super fun. There were definitely plenty of amusing moments as well as enough drama both physical and emotional to keep me interested and connected to the story. While I do think this book could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first two books ahead of time. They were amazing as well, and will help you understand the background relationships between the characters.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Deadly Odds by Adrienne Giordano

I'll start by saying that I loved the cover. It Is what drew me to the book in the first place. I've never read this author before, but I will definitely be looking out for her books in the future. Personally, I found this book to be very interesting. I liked the Las Vegas setting and the behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in the casino. Granted, I didn't know a lot of the terms not being familiar with casinos, but I was easily able to figure out from the context what the characters were talking about. The characters themselves were very well rounded. Ross was a clotheshorse yet not stuck up or snobby. His sidekick, Don, was an older guy and very old-school Vegas. He was one of my favorite characters since he was so inappropriate most of the time and vastly amusing. Kate was a kick butt and take names kind of woman. She had a job to do and had every confidence that she could get it done. The sparks between she and Ross were evident from the beginning even before they knew who each other was. They made a fun and entertaining couple especially with Don always butting in. As for the suspense, a cheat is loose in Vegas skimming from the casinos. It is Kate's job to find this person and solve the problem. Ross doesn't believe his casino could possibly be targeted because he believes his defenses are too strong. When Kate finally does come up with the suspect, Ross becomes angry and believes Kate is trying to ruin his business by going behind his back. Things go downhill from there. Kate may get her suspect, but will she lose her man in the process?

The characters kept me connected throughout, and I enjoyed the storyline. I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Hard Rules by Lisa Renee Jones

This was my first book by this author, and it definitely won't be my last! I was hooked from the start and ready to drop everything to keep reading. I loved the characters both primary and secondary. The storyline was nicely convoluted with many complicated personalities and subplots twisting around each other in a tangled writhing mass of passion and suspense. Shane and Emily meet by chance but end up thrown together by fate. Emily has some big secrets which could be dangerous. Shane is in the middle of a battle with his family which he knows for certain is dangerous. Neither is in a good place to get involved, but neither can resist.  They are drawn to each other yet caught in a web of lies and betrayals. I finished the story in a day because I was dying to unravel the threads of what was really going on. I've got to say that I'm now in more suspense than ever and hoping book two in this series is following shortly behind. I really want to know who Emily really is, what part the prologue plays in the scheme of things, who is actually on Shane's side. I am completely invested in this story.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Stranger in my House by Mari Manning

When Kirby's half sister shows up out of the blue claiming her life is being threatened, Kirby feels obligated to help. She is a law enforcement officer and feels she can quickly put her detecting skills to use and find the culprit. Unfortunately, Frankie complicated matters by insisting Kirby go undercover as her. Since the two are practically identical other than eye color, the swap would be easy. Kirby has never been close to her sister but her deep longing for a family connection leads her to do as Frankie requests. Once in place as Frankie, Kirby realizes the list of suspects is a mile long because no one likes Frankie, in fact, they ask despise her and don't bother to hide it. Her only ally is Seth. Even he is reluctant to help her. When strange things occur and threats escalate, he is the only person she trusts, but whether or not that trust is deserved remains to be seen..

This was a bit of an unusual storyline with some big twists at the end. Many of the characters came across as unlikable because of their animosity toward Kirby in her role as Frankie. Once their true nature was evident, they became much more relatable, and connections were finally forged. The story had plenty of suspense and chemistry and no shortage of suspects.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Raw Redemption by Tessa Bailey

I am so very sad to see this series end! I have read every book and become completely engrossed in the different relationships and personalities. If asked to choose a favorite, I seriously couldn't. Obviously, this book is best when read in the context of the series, but it could be read as a standalone.

Henrik was a very interesting character. His depth of devotion to Ailish's protection even though he had never fully meet her was his driving force. He has protected her from jail time for a crime she committed, and now he may have to protect her from his own co-workers. Ailish had information that could bring her father's criminal network to its knees, and Henrik's captain wants to use it. Ailish has already been working on ending her father's enterprises but knows working with law enforcement can be a risk since her father had connections everywhere. Henrik gave Ailish back her life, and when she finds out he was her savior, she will sacrifice anything to return the favor.

This series was really an out of the ordinary concept for me, a law enforcement squad made up of criminals. I will miss the series. Hopefully Ms. Bailey will start another series just as captivating.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Gone too Deep by Katie Ruggle

I requested a copy of this book because I vaguely recognized the author's name as one I had read before and enjoyed. I also liked the cover and thought the description sounded interesting. Honestly, I was caught up in the story pretty quickly, especially once George entered the picture. Who can resist a huge handsome mountain man who literally doesn't talk to anyone? There were so many great moments between him and Ellie as she tries to communicate with him and he tries to take care of her. I found myself smiling a lot and enjoying their interactions. Ellie's search for her dad also results in many dangerous situations. George is willing to do anything to protect her, but Ellie also does a pretty good job of protecting herself and those around her.

The story was exciting, and being from a hot southern state,I found the cold snowy setting interesting too. Once I finished reading this story, I went back to research the author and realized I had read the introductory novella for this series when it first came out but had somehow missed the next two books. I just added them to my wish list so I can correct that oversight. After reading about Callum and Lou in this book, I can't wait to go back and get their full story. So, as I said, I missed a couple of books in the middle of the series, but I didn't have a problem reading this as basically a standalone. I do think it would have been even better however if I had read them all in order.  This book does end in sort of a cliffhanger. George and Ellie get a nice resolution, but a few threads are still hanging out there waiting to be followed, especially a big shocker at the end. Thankfully, the wait for the next book is only a couple months.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.