Fallen by Leslie Tentler

This novel was romantic suspense with a good dose of police procedural. Ryan is a cop who is investigating the brutal murders of other cops in the Atlanta area. His ex wife, Lydia, is an emergency room doctor. The two have maintained a distant but friendly relationship. When Lydia goes out of her way to help a patient in a dangerous situation, she unknowingly brings trouble after her. Ryan finds himself torn between helping protect Lydia and finding the cop killer. The couple begin to find some resolution to the issue that began their separation. As soon as they begin to reconcile, however, the problems escalate. In the end, the two have to work together to survive and protect those they care about.

I personally liked the characters. I also appreciated the southern setting not being turned into some way over accented mess. Being from the south, I appreciate the proper use of the word y'all as well.  The suspense and police matters were well written, and the romance was sweet. I appreciate Net Galley providing a copy for review.

Teach Me by Ella Sheridan

I absolutely loved this book! The author was unfamiliar to me, and I really didn't care for the cover because the model has been on way to many covers and really doesn't appeal to me. I honestly was tired of looking for something to read and only finding mediocre. When I found this book available for request on Net Galley, I only requested it because I couldn't find anything more interesting. I am so glad I did. I am totally going to be grabbing every other book I can find by this author and definitely the rest of this series as it is released.

Jess is a woman doing her best to break free from her abusive ex boyfriend turned stalker. Conlan is a security specialist who has been attracted to her from afar but knows she is not the type of woman to accept his no commitments policy. When Jess's ex threatens her in a parking lot, Conlan can't help but interfere. He gives Jess his card and recommends she get some self defense training while never letting on that he is part owner of the company. He never expects to hear from her again, but when she actually calls, he is the only one available to train her. Their chemistry is of the charts from the beginning. While Jess is interested, Conlan resists wanting to avoid the pull she has on him. As the danger from her ex escalates, Conlan finds himself unable to leave her unprotected. Jess is amazing. She won't let Conlan avoid her or minimize their feelings.

Jess's ex proves to be a sick and twisted but formidable enemy. When Jess makes a decision to use herself as bait to draw him out, all hell breaks loose, and the danger level multiplies. Conlan vows to keep her safe but has no idea how to keep that vow while letting her make her own choices. This story took a turn that was darker than I expected at the end, but the finish was perfect. I thought it was a great book by a very talented suspense author.

Secrets of Moore House by Susan Kearney

The blurb promoting this book read like an old school gothic romance. Since I absolutely loved that style as a teen, I was excited to check out this story. Jasmine is the primary focus of the story. Out of the seeming blue, she loses her home and home business to arson and almost immediately discovers through a returned letter that she has family she never knew about. As any decent gothic story needs, this story has an enormous old house, Moore House, replete with strange noises and weird happenings where Jasmine goes to meet and investigate her new found family. Her arrival is met with tears and hostility from some and strangely attentive care by one person, Rand. Jasmine endures the type of gaslighting you might expect in a gothic novel, all designed to make her think she is losing her mind. In the end, Rand may be her only hope, but he is lying to her too. I enjoyed the sort of over the top melodrama of this gothic throwback set in modern times. It reminded me of growing up although it was a little sexier than what I would have read back then.

Net Galley provided a copy of this book for review:-)

In His Shadow by Tiffany Snow

I will start by saying Tiffany Snow's Kathleen Turner series is my favorite series of all time, and I've read those books so much that they would be falling apart were they actually made of paper. I have been waiting on pins and needles for her new books and was more than excited when I was able to get an advance copy of In His Shadow from Net Galley. To say I had high hopes for this book would be a serious understatement. I love Tiffany Snow's first person style of writing and the way it lets you get into the character's head. The protagonist in this series is Ivy. If you are expecting a remake of Kathleen, you won't find it here. Without giving spoilers, I will just say that Ivy is damaged. She is smart but often lets emotional needs resulting from the damage of her past to overwhelm her common sense and lead her into trouble.

Devon Clay is a customer of the bank where Ivy works as a teller. He lies his way into Ivy's private life and leaves a trail of deception and death behind him.  When Ivy is pulled unwittingly into a murder and international conspiracy by one of her customers, Devon seems like her only chance to survive. Despite warnings from Logan, Ivy's roommate and lifelong confidant, Ivy chooses to trust Devon with her future. She begins to marginalize Logan's involvement in her life and saturate herself in Devon.

As Ivy had suspected all along, Devon is not who or what she thinks he is. The more she is with him, the more the danger around her escalates. Ivy tries but fails to convince herself to break ties with Devon before it's too late. Devon continues to pull Ivy further and further away from Logan and anyone else who cares about her, knowingly risking her life in the process. In His Shadow was the perfect name for this book because that is exactly where Ivy puts herself, in Devon's shadow (sexy though that shadow may be). Had this book been a standalone, I would have been totally frustrated. Thankfully, I am familiar with this author and know that nothing is as it seems, and absolutely anything can happen in the future. I have feeling Ivy will be making some big changes in the future books. Maybe Devon will too, or maybe Logan or the mysterious FBI agent will play more prominent roles. Who knows?    I sense this series will be keep me guessing for a while.

Gone to Her Grave by Melinda Leigh

This is the second book in the Rogue River novella series by Kendra Elliott and Melinda Leigh. I don't recommend reading this as a standalone although it is possible to do so. In the first novella, we got the beginning of Stevie's story. This story is the beginning of the story of Stevie's sister, Carly, and her estranged husband, Seth. It almost feels like going back in time since some of the events in this book are occurring at the same time as events from the previous book. We just get to see what was happening in other parts of town and in other people's lives. There were a few new views on mysteries from the first novella and also some new clues. I really liked Seth and admired his dedication to his family even though he was acting a bit caveman. Carly was very stubborn and resistant to Seth even though she obviously still loves him. In the end, however, when the danger is greatest, Carly turns to Seth and trusts he will keep her safe.

I enjoyed this novella and am glad Net Galley provided an opportunity to read and review it.

Dangerous Surrender by Katie Reus

While this book is part of a series, I read it as a standalone. I have read several of this author's previous books, but none in this particular series. Honestly, I had no problems reading it out of series, but will probably go back and read what I've missed. In this story, Taylor witnesses the murder of her boss and mentor then finds herself shot and framed for the act. When she does the only thing her panicked mind can think to do, run, she ends up injured, alone, and incapacitated after breaking into her best friend's house. Roman happens to be checking on his friend's supposedly empty home and instead finds Taylor. He doubts her story, but it is soon verified as the violence she fled follows her. Roman works in personal security and at the request of his and Taylor's mutual friend, agrees to help Taylor stay safe and prove her innocence. The second task proves to be a bit easier than the first. Taylor uses her computer investigation skills to thwart the killer, and her spunky personality quickly wins Roman's heart.

This was a fairly quick easy read for me with likable characters and a believable fast moving plot. I appreciate the chance from Net Galley to read and review this book.

Forced Disappearance by Dana Marton

I had read a couple of this author's previous books, so I felt confident I would enjoy this one. This novel was a bit of the reverse on the typical romantic suspense formula. Miranda was sent to rescue Glenn and remained his protector throughout the story. Glenn was by no means a weakling, but he had Miranda's back and yielded to her tactical knowledge and Army experience. The couple's previous experience together made their attraction to each other that much easier even though Miranda resisted everything but the physical despite Glenn's desire to try for something more serious. Through their treks through the jungle of Venezuela, the two grow closer and closer as they only have each other to depend on. Even though Miranda is confident when she is battling or evading the enemy, she has secrets which make her insecure with a long term commitment to Glenn. Glenn doesn't give up but sets out to help Miranda find healing in exchange for her sacrifices to save him.

I liked the quick pace of the book and the frequent action. Net Galley provided a copy of this book for review.

Blackness Within by Norma Jeanne Karlsson

Can I just start by saying, Wow! I totally didn't expect this book! I spotted it on Net Galley as a newly added book available for request. I though it sounded interesting but was afraid to request it since it was book 5 in a series. I checked out the series and decided to try the first book. I was completely hooked and read the first four books this past weekend. I should probably say devoured rather than read, because that's what I truly did. Every single book had aspects which really threw me for a loop. Personally, I love that in a book. So, when I finally requested a copy of this book on Net Galley, I expected to be shocked...only I wasn't just shocked.  I was completely floored. This book took this series to a whole different emotional level. I actually found myself so invested in Natasha's trauma that it affected my day. Crazy, I know, but wow! The author took some big risks with the direction she took in this story. It was hard to know at any given point who was good and who wasn't. I would love to give a full synopsis of the storyline, but I'm just not sure how to do it justice without spoilers. I will just say to the brave at heart, read this series in order, and don't miss this book!

The Mansfield Rescue by Beth Cornelison

I read this book as a standalone having not read the previous two books in this trilogy. I didn't have any trouble keeping up. The story begins with Amy having an accident as a smoke jumper and breaking her ankle. She travels across the country to stay with her mom while she recuperates. Unfortunately, she returns home to find her former abuser and stepfather out of jail and back with her mother. With nowhere to stay and no friends in town, Amy grabs her classic car out of the garage and leaves. When the car breaks down, Grant stops to help and renews an old connection with Amy from high school. Eventually, he ends up offering her a place to stay and his services as a mechanic. Things rock on for a while, and the two recognize their chemistry but try to ignore it...primarily because of Grant's kids. When Great's daughter is kidnapped by a criminal with a grudge against his family, Amy can't help but be a part of the search for the little girl she has come to care for. Through the ups and downs of the search, Amy and Grant become closer. When Peyton is found and taken again by Amy's stepfather, Amy is the only one who can save her.

I really liked the characters in this story, especially Amy. The suspenseful tension was well balanced with the romantic elements. I also appreciated the cautious way the issue of sexual abuse was handled in the story. I appreciate Net Galley offering a copy of this book for review.

The Heart of the Phoenix by Barbara Bettis

While I admit this novel had a bit of a slow awkward start for me, it picked up quickly, and I became invested in the story and the characters. Evie is a headstrong young woman who has long been infatuated with her older brother's friend. Despite years of separation, she still feels the pull whenever they are together.  Unfortunately for Evie, her brother has cooperated with the future king's order to betroth her to a stranger, and Stephen, the object of her affection sees her as an annoying inconvenience. Evie decides to take her life and future into her own hands by deceiving others into believing her brother had ordered her home to England from visiting her cousin in Normandy. Through a twist of fate, she encounters Stephen at the monastery where she takes shelter on her journey. When mutual needs have the two traveling in a party together toward England, sparks fly, tempers ignite, and chemistry tries to get out of hand. Evie unwittingly becomes a pawn in a play for power and riches which ends up separating her from Stephen. Before the two are reunited, many more obstacles have to be discovered and overcome. Evie and Stephen believe they are up to the challenge, but can they survive what is waiting for them?

Net Galley provided a copy of this book for review. I enjoyed reading an author who was new to me.

The Curse Defiers by Denise Grover Swank

Man, I love this author. She mixes me up and throws my emotions all over the place in both this series and the Rose Gardner series. I am totally addicted. Sometimes I dread where she is going to take me, but I just can't help but read anyway. I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this book and was thrilled when I was offered an advance copy through Net Galley. As soon as I started reading, I was drawn back into the world of the curse. The action begins right off and never lets up. Ellie has to make so many hard choices and take several huge risks in this story. I found myself stressed enough to be whispering, " No! No! No!" at the book several times. Both David and Collin are featured prominently in this episode of the story although I won't spoil things by telling exactly how. I will say Ellie's love for one grows exponentially while her relationship with the other deepens but changes radically. The addition of a new helper/guardian for Ellie in the form of Tsagasi, a not quite fairy, makes things more interesting and adds some amusing dialog along the way. All the usual gods, demons, and a few new ghosts and creatures make appearances with Ahone and Okeus still battling for control of Ellie. This book was all about choosing sides...or choosing not to. I absolutely loved this book. It was the best of the series by far in my opinion. I hate to see this trilogy end, but I am glad the author leaves us by letting us know the story isn't over, but it is only just beginning. Hmmmmm.....I can't wait!!!!