Thursday, January 18, 2018

Hot Seal Bride by Lynne Raye Harris


As always with this series, this book was loaded with super sexy guys and plenty of suspense. Cash had been a favorite of mine for a while, and who wouldn't want to see the big guy fall after he's been so adamant that he never will? Ella would not have been what I would have predicted for him. Most of the women in the HOT series have been fierce and strong all on their own. They didn't necessarily need the guys, but they sure did want them. Ella was different. She truly needed Cash. At first she seemed week, naive, and needy, but as the story developed, her core of steel began to make an appearance. I especially loved how she handled her cousins at the end of the book. She didn't start off seeming like she should be a HOT heroine, but she totally earned her place with them and her place in Cash's heart. He finally fell, and I couldn't be happier. I also enjoyed the excerpt at the end from the next book. I can't wait to see what happens with Camel. I happily received an ARC from the publisher.
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Monday, January 8, 2018

No Regrets by Julie Moffatt


Smart but so naive, could there be a more quirky and lovable heroine than Lexi Carmichael? Every book in this series has had me laughing out loud at something outrageous Lexi has said or done. This book finally sees Xavier and Basia getting married. Yay! Lexi is struggling through her maid of honor duties with Slash by her side as the calm in the storm. After the highly eventful wedding, Lexi is looking forward to some down time and unpacking some of the boxes in her and Slash's new house. Unfortunately, she doesn't get her wish. She gets tasked with a top secret mission which she must undertake alone. What sounded like an easy mission turns out to be anything but, and it just wouldn't be a Lexi adventure without the several other unrelated and unexpected events happening simultaneously. In the end though Lexi can always count on her friends to have her back and be there just when she needs them.

The romance between Slash and Lexi has so many poignant moments in this story. I absolutely loved how their relationship progressed. Xavier and Basia got their happily ever after, and even Elvis is finally coming into his own. I love these characters, and I adore this series!

I requested an ARC from Net Galley.

Nikan Rebuilt by Scarlett Cole


I absolutely loved Scarlett Cole's Second Circle series because of the phenomenal characters and the well written suspense. She introduced the guys of Preload in that series, and they just immediately stole my heart. Their backstory was so sad, and I just had to now more. I was so excited when she started writing this series although admittedly a bit disappointed that it wasn't a suspense series. I wasn't sure I would I would like it as much, but I absolutely do. While there is very little suspense, there is so much emotional turmoil and such depth of characters. The guys of Preload have such a strong sense of family and such a sad history to overcome. They completely have my heart. I actually delayed reading this particular book because the reviews were so conflicting and many were negative. I was afraid to be disappointed, but I definitely wasn't. Nikan's story was everything I hoped it would be. I absolutely loved it, and I simply cannot wait to see Lennon get his happily ever after next.

I requested an ARC from Net Galley.

Rocco by Sarah Castille


I am so absolutely in love with this series!!! Every book just pulls me farther and farther in. I could see the potential in Rocco from the last book, and I wanted his story so bad! This absolutely didn't disappoint. It was my favorite story so far. I'm a sucker for a bad guy who thinks he's irredeemable and a courageously spunky woman who just won't let him go until he sees himself like she does. The fact that the whole book is full of action, intrigue, and spicy sexy chemistry is a total bonus! This series is spectacular and absolutely must be read in order. So much happens and trails threads from book to book. I can't wait to see who is featured in book 4!

I requested an ARC from Net Galley.

End Game by Lisa Renee Jones


NO!!! It can't be the end! I need more! You would think after 4 books about the same couple I would be ready for it finish up, but I so wasn't! This series has been such an emotional roller coaster. sometimes I literally ended up holding my breath. Just when I thought I knew what was about to happen, Ms. Jones would completely throw me for a loop. I don't want to give away any part of this story, so I will just say the wrap up was everything I hoped it would be. I'm just hopeful Shane and Emily will show up in future books about some of my other favorite characters from this series (Seth!!!).

I requested an ARC from Net Galley.

The Billionaires: The Stepbrothers by Calista Fox


The Billionaires is a great Calista Fox series. Most of these books have taken place in a small town called River Cross, but this story splits time between New York and Montana. The two men featured couldn't have been more different or more supportive and protective of each other. Both feel for Scarlett pretty much on sight, but neither was really looking for a relationship, particularly Sam whose last relationship ended in tragedy. Both of the step brothers are suspects in the possible insurance fraud Scarlett is investigating, but both proclaim their innocence. The further Scarlett investigates, the more certain she is that whatever results she finds will destroy fragile relationship she is trying to build with Michael and Sam.

If you like super sexy and don't mind a little bit of two on one fantasy, then this is perfect for you since it is not just steamy but actually has a real plot with some convoluted issues. 

I requested an ARC from Net Galley.

Edge of Truth by Brynn Kelly


I was not familiar with this author at all, but the description pulled my interest. I'm so glad I gave it a try. I loved it more than I thought I would. French Legionnaires were a new and interesting reading experience for me. This story was sexy and a constant source of action. Both Tess and Flynn were exceptionally courageous, and Tess had strong values which guided her actions. Flynn struggled with trust due to an encounter with a reporter in his past who burned him and spoiled him for relationships. Both had a strong sense of purpose, and neither was willing to give up or back down. Tess also had a difficult time trusting, but eventually she needed Flynn's help. As much as he needed to get away from the risk Tess presented, he just couldn't seem to leave her. The two of them end up in constant danger and enlisting the help of Flynn's brothers in arms.

I loved all the interesting personalities of all of Flynn's buddies. I can't wait to read all of their stories! I've already added book one to my wish list! Net Galley provided an ARC.

Safe at Hawk's Landing by Rita Herron


Charlotte runs an art therapy program for at risk young girls. When her classroom is attacked and her students are taken, Charlotte risks her life to try and save the girls but ends up beaten and left behind. The result of her injuries in blindness which may or may not be temporary. While her blindness results in both fear and anger, Charlotte's first concern is her students. 

Lucas ends up investigating the kidnapping and its possible links to a human trafficking ring. Charlotte is possibly the only person who can identify the perpetrators, so ensuring her safety is of utmost importance to him. Charlotte refuses to sit idly by and wait for everyone else to find the girls. She is determined to do everything in her power despite her limitations. The more time she and Lucas spend together, the closer they become. Neither wants to be distracted by their unavoidable attraction, but they can't resist the ultimate pull. For now, a stress release valve may be all they can be to each other, but once the girls are found, all bets are off. 

Net Galley provided an ARC.

Brazilian Surrender by Carmen Falcone


I have read all the books in this series and eagerly awaited the release of this one. Finally a book about the sister of the Duarte family. I admit I missed the Brazilian setting since this one was set in New York. Although I admired Camilla's independence and her desire to make it on her own, I did think she took the privacy issue a bit overboard and should ave let her brothers help protect her (especially since I wanted more of them in this book), but she chose her help wisely and hired Jaeger. He has the street smarts Camilla lacks. He takes her stalker seriously and starts the hunt. Jaeger is confident in his abilities, but he is not confident he can keep his distance from Camilla. He has distanced himself from everyone since he lost his wife and child years ago, and he really doesn't want the risk connections result in. Regardless, she tempts him and the chemistry is enough that they finally give in. Now Jaeger not only has to worry about Camilla's safety but also his own heart if anything happens to her.

The first book in this series remains my favorite, but I really enjoyed this one as well. ARC provided by Net Galley.

Mine to Save by Diana Gardin


I've read one other book by this author, but not any of the other books in this series. I enjoyed my first book by Diana Gardin, and I guess I just got busy and forgot to ever go back and check out more of her work. I felt just slightly behind at first since I wasn't familiar with characters from the previous books and their histories, but I was able to easily catch up since the author blended in recap information. As for the storyline, Sayward suffers from autism which affects her social interactions. Bennett has been secretly interested in Sayward, and her boss uses that to recruit him away from a job which he has no passion for, just an obligation. AS soon as he is hired, Bennett ends up working as protection for Sayward whose brother has arrived from Columbia after years of non-contact. He wants to take her back to Columbia where her life is in danger. Her boss wants er protected on the trip, and Bennett is the man for the job.

I loved the interactions and conversations between Bennett and Sayward. Watching their relationship develop was fun. I especially loved how he called her beautiful. They had such great chemistry. The suspense and action are what typically seen me on a book, and this one was definitely not lacking. I'm ready to go back and read the previous books in this series so I will be caught up when the next one comes out.

Net Galley provided an ARC.