Damage Control by Lisa Renee Jones

As soon as I started reading this book, I remembered exactly why I loved book one so much. There is so much intrigue, so many complications, and so much passion. Once I start, I find it almost impossible to stop reading. I also have to say kudos to Ms. Jones for the amazing recap and character overview at the beginning. I read tons of series books, and because I read so much, it is often hard to remember what happened when wait times between books are long. I end up constantly interrupting my reading of the new book in order to search through the previous books to remind me what happened. Ms. Jones made that completely unnecessary.  I will warn that this is not one of those series you can read out of order. This book picks up exactly at the end of the previous book.

If you love intensely passionate deeply entangled suspense, this is a series you shouldn't miss. The characters are complicated yet relatable, and the plot moves quickly. I can't wait to see where all of this leads.

Net Galley provided an ARC for honest review.

Before the Dawn by Cynthia Eden

As I've said before, Cynthia Eden is one of my ultimate favorite authors because of her sexy alpha heroes. Tucker definitely fit that description. He also fit the description of a killer, the description of his late brother, the Iceman. It's been years since Tucker's brother tried to kill his lover. Tucker chose Dawn in that moment and has never stopped loving her despite her inability to look him in the eye after the attack. Now it looks like the Iceman has returned from the dead, and Tucker has been called in to catch what he knows has to be a copycat, a copycat who wants the victim who got away, Dawn. Tucker will do anything to protect Dawn whether she still wants him or not.

I have to say that I suspected a few different people throughout this story. Even though in the end the perpetrator had been on my list, I had already given up on that angle and was pretty surprised by the ending. I was not surprised by the dark awesomeness of the characters or the off the charts sexiness. I love this series, and I can't wait to read Macey's story next!

I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review.

Ominous by Lisa Jackson, Nancy Bush, and Rosalind Noonan

I had not read book one in this series, but it didn't affect my ability to get into this story. I chose it mainly because I've been a fan of Lisa Jackson's work in the past. I won't rehash the book description, except to say that it is three brief stories in one. Each of these three women ends up with her own love interest and her own part to play in solving the mystery of who attacked them and whether it is connected to the string of missing girls. I didn't really enjoy the Ruth portions. I didn't like her character, and as a counselor, I did not find her counseling dialog believable. On the other hand, I really liked Kat's and Shiloh's storylines. I would have loved more of Shiloh. The relationships between the main characters were steamy but not overly so, however the scenes with the super creepy skeevy villain were very sexually graphic. I appreciated that there were enough potential subjects that I was not able to determine who the villain was until the end. Overall I was not to bothered by the sections which frustrated me so much that I wanted to stop reading. I definitely was happy that the ending was from Kat's perspective.

Net Galley provided an ARC for honest review.

Hot Valor by Lynne Raye Harris

Finally, Mendez!!! I have loved every book in this series, and Mendez's story had been a long time coming. I actually had kind of always thought this would be the story of Mendez and Sam. She was always in the background, so it seemed logical. I'm a bit sad that she didn't get to show her redeeming qualities, but man, Kat is exactly what Mendez needs and what he always wanted.

This story starts off with immediate action as HOT, and Mendez specifically, comes under fire when they are framed for an international incident. Mendez gets not only a warning but also a very familiar partner from Ian Black. On the run and back in action after years stuck behind a desk, Mendez knows he cannot fail, and he cannot let himself be distracted by the woman who looks exactly like someone he never expected to ever sees again.

I don't want to give away too much of the story, so I will just say that this story moves fast; is packed with emotion, suspense, and chemistry; and is chock full of all your very favorite characters. There was some long due resolution, and some surprising moments. Mendez was a larger than life character, and he needed a huge story. Ms. Harris definitely delivered!

I was graciously granted an ARC from the author for honest review, and I couldn't be more thrilled!

Protection Detail by Julie Miller

Having read all the Watson family stories, I was happy to see the family patriarch, Thomas, get his own story. Thomas had been a widower for many years. Jane was also widowed but more recently. Jane does everything she can to avoid relationships of any kind. As a witness to her husband's murder and the only person able to provide identifying details about the serial killer, she is under federal protection. Her life isn't her own, and neither is her name. Thomas knows none of this, but he does know how private she is. When they come under attack, each tries to take the blame, Thomas because of the ongoing danger that has stalked his family, and Jane due to the killer tracking her. Once Thomas and his family discover the truth, nothing will stop them from rallying around Jane. She is one of them, and they protect their own. In the meantime, Jane and Thomas surrender to the chemistry between them. Their love story is sweet as is the family support they receive. As for the suspense, there are several possible suspects, any of whom would be believable. It made for an interesting mystery.

Net Galley provided an ARC for honest review.

Alive at 5 by Linda Bond

Samantha is afraid. A recent family tragedy has left her fearful and hesitant and simply overwhelmed by her responsibilities. If she doesn't pull herself together, her job as a television reporter is at risk. Her current task of following her mentor around on his risky adventure vacation is her last chance to redeem herself. Zack is also on the adventure trip but for a completely different purpose. He believes someone on the adventure circuit is a killer, and he intends to prove it. Samantha is a distraction he doesn't need, but he can't help wanting her. When the worst happens and her mentor dies, Samantha convinces Zack that they should work together even though Zack is hesitant. As the danger heats up around them, so does their chemistry, but can Samantha face her fears in order to save Zack?

Zack was a great character. He was funny and kind and an adrenaline junkie at heart. Samantha had more responsibilities than she could handle, but she was determined to make it all work and help Zack in the process. The story had a great pace with plenty of action and chemistry.

Net Galley provided an ARC for honest review.

Tempting Fate by Pamela Clare

I had a hard time putting this book down. It started off exciting with great suspense and action, and then it drew you in to connect with the characters and their struggles, particularly Naomi. Pamela Clare did a great job of weaving Native culture into the story without it feeling like a gimmick to draw readers. Her writing conveyed a great respect and sense of realism which only comes from research. Once I read the author note at the end of the book, I understood where her respect originated and respected her work even more. I am not a person who thinks a real and valid point can only be made through non-fiction. While I enjoy fiction for the enjoyment and escape it gives me, I also like being challenged by a book to alter the way I think or to learn more. All that said, it was also a nice work of romance and suspense with a heavy hand toward emotional struggles and the connections of family.

This was my first book in this series though I have read a couple of the author's I- Team books. I had no problems at all reading this as a standalone though it did leave me with a curiosity which will likely have me checking out the previous books soon.

An ARC was provided by Net Galley for honest review.

Call to Engage by Tawny Weber

This was my first Team Poseidon novel, but it won't be my last. I'd definitely like to go back and read Diego's story. As for this story, it was surrounding Ava and Elijah. Years ago they were married, but circumstances and losses pulled them apart and their relationship ended in divorce. They haven't seen each other in four years, and both have changed significantly. When they are unexpectedly thrown back together, it's ugly at first, but so hard for them to resist their chemistry. The bedroom was never their problem. Ava is determined to enjoy their physical connection as long as she can without letting emotions or talk of the past come into the picture. Elijah wants more. When danger comes after them both, will they bond together or fall apart?

This was exciting, emotional, and tinged with suspense. I can't wait to read Nic' s story next.

An ARC was provided by Net Galley for honest review.