Saturday, September 30, 2017

The Wicked Billionaire by Jackie Ashenden

I'm definitely a Jackie Ashenden fan. I've read several of her books including the first book in this series. While this could possibly work as a standalone, it works much better if you've read book one. Like the first book, this one was also primarily emotional suspense and relationship issues with some pretty nice action at the end. I tend to prefer a lot of action throughout, but these Tate brothers are like puzzles I just need to figure out. I have to know why they are the way they are and exactly what it takes to break them down and free them from the ice they've encased themselves in. Like his brother Van in the first book, Lucas is not nice, not warm and fuzzy, not really even kind. Grace represents everything he hates, and if he wasn't obligated, he wouldn't be anywhere around her. Being stuck sharing the same space with her is torture and not the good kind. He just wants to fulfill the job he was asked to do and get back to what he knows best, being a sniper.

Grace really isn't sure she needs the protection Lucas is forcing on her. She just wants him to let het leave and get back to her life, her art. She can't help but be attracted to him because he is literally the most gorgeous man she had ever seen. She knows he will never return the lust since her plain appearance has been drilled into her most of her life.

What happens between them is unexpected and even unwelcome at first, but somewhere in all their hiding, they find each other.

I received an ARC from Net Galley.

Savage Rising by Katie Reus

Can I just start by saying how much I love Katie Reus? I've read at least twenty of her books, and I will likely read at least twenty more. I'm loving this series, so I hope it goes as long as the Red Stone series has. So, about this story, Savage was absolutely unbelievably sexy and always in charge. Olivia was confident and was quite quite capable of taking care of herself in normal circumstances, but these weren't normal circumstances. She knew she needed help, and she knew Redemption Harbor was the only place she would find it.  Pretending to be Savage's very significant other was not exactly what she had in mind though. It's not exactly Savage's idea of fun either. He has some preconceived notions about the kind of mom who gets herself into this kind of trouble, but he will do his job regardless. Little does he know that he has read Olivia all wrong. Once he realizes his mistake, the sexual tension ramps up just as much as the danger and action do, making their mission riskier than ever. This novel was everything great I always expect from Katie Reus!

I received an ARC from Net Galley.

Manhunt by Ann Voss Peterson

While this book was published previously, this was my first time reading it. I will start by saying it was definitely not realistic, but I'm not of the opinion that fiction always has to be. It made for a relaxing night of escapism. Jace was my favorite part of this book. He was surly, sexy, and not at all interested in getting involved with Shanna. He eventually decides to trust her, and they have some pretty steamy moments. As far as action, this story actually has quite a bit going on as Shanna and Jace first run for their lives then end up having to hide from law enforcement. It makes for a pretty entertaining read.

I received an ARC from Net Galley.

Too Beautiful to Break by Tessa Bailey

I have loved Tessa Bailey for quite a while. Her Line Of Duty and especially her Crossing the Line series are favorites of mine. I haven't actually read any of the previous books in this series, so this was my first exposure to Sage and Belmont. I was blown away! Call me a nerd, but I just love the way Tessa Bailey paints pictures with her words. Her descriptions just suck me in. The way she portrayed the relationship between Sage and Belmont was just magnetic because they needed each other so much. It was truly unlike anything else I've read, and I read a lot. They were willing to do anything, give up anything, for each other. There was so much heat between them. They burned up the pages once they finally gave in.  Even the title for this book was perfect. Read the book, and you'll understand why. I couldn't put it down.

Net Galley provided an ARC for honest review.

Sunday, September 17, 2017

The Last Move by Mary Burton

In true Mary Burton fashion, this novel had sadistic and cunning villains. Kate and Mazur were both strong though Kate was more blunt and Mazur was more laid back. Mazur seemed to understand Kate where others have judged her and found her lacking. He appreciates her straightforward ways, and she benefits from his calm stability. Their skills compliment each other as they join to hunt down a killer who shot a woman on the side of the road. This typically wouldn't be a case needing FBI assistance, but the glaring similarities to one of her previous cases has her being called in. As always with Ms. Burton's writing, things aren't always what they seem, and there is so much more below the surface. Personally, I enjoyed the twists and turns and the high degree of tension. I also liked the small doses of romantic chemistry.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Saturday, September 2, 2017

Into the Night by Cynthia Eden

Bowen and Macey  are everything I've come to expect from Cynthia Eden. If I didn't already enjoy reading her books simply because she resides in my home state, I would never be able to resist her super alpha guys. Bowen is no exception. He plans to be a wall between Macey and any harm. The fact that she is perfectly qualified to take care of herself doesn't even phase him. He has wanted her for a while, and if he can't have her, he will at least keep her safe. When the very killer they are hunting becomes the victim, everything changes. Macey's life is turned inside out, and Bowen becomes her anchor in the storm.

This story was sexy and full of lots of twists and turns. Just when I would think things were getting predictable, Ms. Eden would throw in a curve. I love not knowing exactly who to suspect. Being kept guessing is the best part of suspense. As for the romantic elements, Macey and Bowen definitely throw off plenty of sparks.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review.

Shades of Gray by Vicki Hinze

I've read several Vicki Hinze books in the past, but somehow I must have missed this one. Most of the time the books available for request on Net Galley are new releases, but once I saw the author of this one, I had to request it, new or not. I'm thrilled that I did. Vicki Hinze always does a great job of creating realistically complicated characters. Laura and Jake have been married for a couple of years. They have always been best friends, but their marriage is completely platonic. Laura acts as a mother to Jake's son as he fights for custody with a vindictive ex.

Just when things in their lives seen to be taking a positive turn, Jake gets tagged for a dangerous mission and Laura is left to deal with less than optimal conditions at home. This mission though, it changes everything and makes Jake question every choice he's made. Either his wife is actually his enemy, or she needs him more than she knows.

The story had plenty of intrigue and action as well as a smoldering passion simmering just under the surface of a marriage never meant to be consummated.  I was very engrossed and hated to put it down.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review.