Smoke and Mirrors by Julie Rowe

Julie Rowe is one of my favorites, so I was really excited to get an ARC of this book from Net Galley. I've got to say it is probably my favorite of hers so far. The action started from the very beginning and never let up. There was constant danger, and though Smoke was alpha protector from the get go, Kini wasn't one to let others fight her battles. She barged forward with a to heck with them all attitude and no fear leaving Smoke to catch up. I adored Smoke because of his extreme protectiveness and his ability to say so much while actually saying so little. The dialog in this book was fantastic. So many of the conversations between Kini and Smoke had me completely amused. I liked them so much I'd read more books of just them. They've become one of my new favorite book couples.

Deadly Intent by Pamela Clare

Although I really didn't like the cover for this book, I absolutely loved the content. I've read several books in this series but not all. I've wanted too, but they are a bit pricey for someone who reads as fast as me and will be finished within a few hours. I get really happy when I find an opportunity to request an ARC like this one on Net Galley. After reading the Christmas book, I was hooked on Joaquin. I'm so glad he got his own story and such a strong lady to match his big personality. Mia was a fierce former soldier whose experiences had left her afraid of her feminine side. After two random encounters with Joaquin, one not so friendly, she can't deny she finds him attractive. Fate seems to keep throwing them together, and once danger necessitates her telling her story, all Joaquin's protective instincts roar to life. The two pair up and work with some of Joaquin's friends (featured in previous books) to find out who is targeting Mia before they find her first.

I enjoyed the fast pace, alpha guys, action, and sexy chemistry, and I look forward to reading more of this series.

Straight Up Irish by Magan Vernon

Admittedly, I'm not a contemporary romance fan. I like a healthy dose of action and suspense with my romance. I don't know why I decided to request this book from Net Galley other than really liking the cover and being a sucker for Irish settings. In any case, I'm so glad I did! I adored all the characters, especially Connor. The way he treated Fallon was to die for, and the banter between these two was often quite funny. Their relationship was very romantic and full of sweet moments. The fake marriage theme is extremely common, but this was a bit of a different take. I'm happy to have found this author, and I can't wait to read Connor's brothers' books! I'm curious which one of them might end up with Fallon's quirky bold best friend.

The Kill Wire by Nichole Christoff

It's going to be very hard to review this book without giving important details away. I adore this series, and I requested this ARC from Net Galley within seconds of seeing it. In books 1-3 I was a solid Barrett fan. Book 4 had me very torn but leaning closer to Marc. In this story I finally found my favorite, and I am both sad that he didn't get the girl and happy that she picked who she did. It makes no sense, but it's the truth of things. I really want Jamie committed to one guy and finally getting the attention and romantic sizzle she deserves. Jamie truly shows her mettle in this story as well as her ability to both take it and dish it out. As always, she does what's right in the big picture no matter what. Both Marc and Barrett have their places in this story, and Jamie has to choose where her heart belongs even while in the midst of brutal murders and missing people. This book had even more action/danger/suspense than usual, and the chemistry factor was also kicked up a notch. I loved it, and I need more Jamie asap!

Final Siege by Scarlett Cole

Mac and Delaney grew up together until the point where she transitioned from the tag along little sister of his best friend to the love of his life. Unfortunately the death of her brother caused an irreparable rip between them. For years, Delaney has hated Mac, but suddenly he gets a call that she needs him. He never stopped loving her, and he drops everything to get to her. She doesn't want his help and tries to convince him she can handle herself and is not his responsibility. I do have to admit that I wasn't a big fan of her at first because I didn't want to see Mac treated badly after I loved him from book one in this series.  This story focuses on how they work through their issues in the midst of trying to keep Delaney safe from same of the same people who came after Lou in the last book. It has the typical Scarlett Cole suspense mixed with steamy hot romance.

Net Galley provided an ARC for honest review.

Run to Me by Cynthia Eden

Cynthia Eden has long been a favorite author of mine because of her super alpha leading men. I have been curious about Jay since the first book in this series, and I was ready for him and the mysterious Willow to get their story. My favorite part of this book was how Jay's intensity and alpha qualities increased exponentially the closer he got to Willow. I also loved how Willow was strong yet knew when she needed her man and wasn't afraid to say so. Their story was super sexy, as all Cynthia Eden stories are, and not lacking in action and suspense. I am not usually a fan of stories with a syfy type aspect and haven't read any of the author's other paranormal series. I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this series, but I'm completely roped in. I'm ready to see where West ends up and with who.

Net Galley provided an ARC and made me very happy.

Survive the Night by Katie Ruggle

I've loved this series from the beginning. I adore Jules and her "school friends" and the mysterious man who rescued them and sent them each to this little snowy town. I'd like to have his story sometime. This story was about Otto and Alice/Sarah. Otto is the quiet giant of a town cop who rescues animals in his spare time. He has the patience of a master but gets tongue tied around Sarah. Sarah has barely been allowed out of her family estate, and she's running from serious danger. She knows better than to get into a relationship, but Otto is hard to resist. Otto realizes danger may come, but he doesn't care.

This book was aptly named because the night they end up facing was one crazy non-stop action movie worthy blowout! I like tons of action and a fast pace, and this story delivered!

ARC provided by Net Galley.

Shattered Fear by Tara Thomas

I'm going to go 3.75 stars on this one. The jury is still out, but I'm definitely about to start the next book and see where this goes. On the down side, this one reads very new author-ish. The heroine cries a lot for a tough cop, and she really didn't have many reservations about getting involved with a suspect. Her character is a bit inconsistent for me so far. On the up side, I really like Brent even though he was much quicker to forgive than I would have expected. I also felt like the villains were way up there on the creepy scale, and the intimate scenes were pretty steamy. Since this is a continuing series, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but not to worry, the books are being released close together so the wait time is minimal. I'm going to hold on judgement until I finish book two.

Net Galley provided an ARC.

Ace of Spades by Sandra Owens

Finally Nate, the oldest Gentry brother, gets his own story. He has pretty much been in love with his FBI partner, Taylor, for a while though he would never admit it to himself or anyone else. His brothers have met their mates, but Nate had committed to himself to never put himself in the position to risk turning into the type of abuser his father was. Taylor knows he cares about her but knows it's not as much as she cares about him. She wants more but worries about the implications as far as work. All that falls to the backburner when a serial killer seems to be targeting women who look like Taylor. Nate knows she can take care of herself, but he plans to make sure she doesn't have to. Taylor loves the extra attention from Nate, but she doesn't like feeling like she is being handled or coddled. While she is happy he cares, she plans to fight her own battles and take down the killer herself.

I enjoyed catching back up with Alex and Court and their wives then seeing Nate finally learn how to be happy and trust himself. It was a great story with plenty of sexy moments.

Net Galley provided an ARC.

Poison Kisses by Lisa Renee Jones

If you read the completely awesome Dirty Money series, you are already familiar with the amazingly sexy Seth. This is his story, and I couldn't be more excited! Stoic Seth who never reveals anything personal finally gets his own story. This started off quick and never slacked off. It was non-stop action, scorching chemistry, and emotions on steroids. The angry sexy sparks coming off of Seth and Amanda should have burned the book to a crisp. They are in love-hate with each other and have been for a while despite a long absence. Fortunately they have a job to do which prevents them from killing each other...for now. This is a serial, so obviously it ends on a cliffhanger, but nothing too terrible. I'm so ready for the rest of this story!
Net Galley provided an ARC.

The Bastard's Bargain by Katee Robert

Oh! My! Gosh! This was the best book of the series, and that's saying a lot since this series completely owns me! Dmitri, Wow, just wow! He was so unbelievably sexy, and so completely unaware that he was halfway in love with Kiera before he ever convinced her to choose him. He wasn't a good guy at all, but he certainly treated Keira like his queen. He was every bit her "gentleman murderer" ( so loved that nickname, by the way). This story was crazy hot, super intense, and far exceeded my already high expectations. I'm so sad there are no more O'Malleys left!

Ruled by Anne Marsh

I admit to not being a big fan of MC stories, but I really liked the description, so I gave it a try. Thankfully this was not like some other MC books I've read where it's all about the clubhouse and the politics and what happens there and how the women are demeaned. Obviously it had some club talk and business, but it was primarily about the relationship between Rev and Eve. I loved them together. The story was extremely sexy and had tons of very steamy moments mixed in with the tension between Rev and Eve's brother. I would have liked to see more development of the characters other than Eve and Rev, but overall, I really enjoyed it and will be putting Vik's story in my wish list.

Breaking Point by Allison Brennan

As I say every time I review a Lucy Kincaid novel, Lucy and Sean are absolutely one of my favorite book couples ever. Even though this story had less of their relationship and more action, I just love their connection. I've read all of the Rogan and Kincaid books, and I highly recommend reading all of them in order so that you get the full understanding of all the complicated relationships and can fully appreciate all the amazing characters Allison Brennan has created. This was a fantastic story not for the faint hearted. It centers around sex trafficking, and while realistic, it was definitely not gratuitous. It gave Lucy a chance to rescue others just like she had been rescued. The story had plenty of action and complicated issues along with a huge dose of my favorite Rogans and Kincaids. I loved it and can't wait for more Lucy!

Rules of Engagement by Lily White

This was my first book by Lily White. I admit that I'm sometimes hesitant to try authors I'm not familiar with, but I was really drawn to the cover, and the description was completely intriguing. I couldn't resist, so I requested an ARC from Net Galley. As I started reading, my first reaction was that this book was going to be way more darkly erotic than I was used to, even though I tend to prefer my suspense pretty dark. I almost didn't keep reading, but I'm so glad I did. Turns out it was nowhere near erotica, but it was seriously sexy and twistedly dark. I though for sure I had it figured out a few times, and I definitely had the bad guy narrowed down to two choices. Even though I was pretty sure till the end that I knew which of the two it was, I ended up being wrong and loving that the story was so unpredictable. I would have liked more of a dramatic face to face confrontation at the end, but regardless, I absolutely loved this!