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.