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.