Into the Dark by Cindy Gerard

I love this series, and I love this author. Ever since Amy was introduced into the series, I have wanted to know her story. Now that I have read it, it was perfect. I am glad the author gave Amy back her strength and didn't leave her as broken as she was when she disappeared. She and Dallas were a perfect match, even though it took him a while to realize it. When she shows up on his doorstep unannounced and needing him, it is like Dallas finally starts living again. As he realizes how much she has changed, he admires her even more. When he catches Amy trying to leave again, Dallas refuses to let her out of his sight and ends up accompanying her on a mission of vengeance which quickly turns into a mission of national security. Along the way, they gain the help of several characters I love from Cindy Gerard's other series. It was nice to see where Gabe, Lang, and Reed were introduced. I have really enjoyed this series and will miss reading about all the crazy family croquet matches:-)

Running on Empty by Christy Reece

I started this book way too late at night to possibly finish it, but I still ended up staying up until 3:00am trying. I honestly couldn't put it down. I have read and loved all the LCR novels and accidentally happened upon this new LCR Elite novel. Like this author's other books, this one was action from start to finish but also deeply emotional. I love how tough Sabrina is. Her loyalty is also unbelievably strong. Declan is sexy but horribly damaged. The couple faces overwhelming odds and unbearable physical and emotional pain with no idea whether their relationship even has a remote chance of survival. I loved getting to reconnect with most of my favorite LCR characters and can't wait for more of this sexy suspenseful series!

Over the Line by Emmy Curtis

I'm going to start by saying I totally loved this book. Military romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres, and this author is now one of my favorites as well. I have already found and purchased the prequel novella and can't wait to read the next book.  This story starts in Afghanistan with James attempting to save Beth from a potentially fatal bullet wound. After being deployed together for a few months, he has developed an attraction to her on a deep level. She is completely unaware but is also affected by him. Unfortunately, her medical treatment takes her away from him, and months pass by before the two meet by chance as Beth is cleared from rehab for redeployment. James can't resist the opportunity to ask her out and turns the invitation into a weekend rock climbing expedition. Unfortunately, fate intervenes, and rock climbing is waylaid by a family emergency. Beth sees the adventure in helping protect James from his family's unrealistic expectations and pressures by posing as his fiancee. Her adventure backfires when she is faced with racism and elitism from James's parents, the arrival of James's ex-girlfriend, threats against James's sisters which endanger her safety, and her own inability to resist the chemistry exploding between herself and James. Thankfully, Beth is a special forces soldier and not about to back down. I loved the characters in this story and how emotionally involved it was. It had all my favorite things...strong characters, plenty of action, super hot chemistry, and a great suspenseful plot.

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

The Detective's Dilemma by Karen McCullough

I'll start by saying that the cover art is what first attracted me to this book. I was totally unfamiliar with the author but decided to give it a try. I admit I wasn't sure from the book description how likable the characters would be since Sarah was basically the mistress of a much older man who is murdered.  The genre of this book was romantic suspense, so obviously it could be assumed that Sarah would be finding a relationship just after her lover's murder. I really didn't think that would appeal to me, however, the author wrote Sarah in such a way that she pulled my sympathy. Although I thought the relationship between Sarah and Jay developed very quickly, I enjoyed their personalities. I also liked reading about Jay's partner, Sam. If he doesn't already have his own book, he needs one.

As for the storyline, Jay is a jaded detective with a protective streak assigned to investigate the murder of Sarah's lover. Sarah is forced to pull the trigger for the fatal shot, but her story is not very believable until attacks on Sarah and her property start to sway Jay's opinion. Despite evidence pointing to her innocence, Jay is pressured to arrest Sarah. His betrayal cuts deep. With the real killers on the loose needing a mysterious key Sarah knows nothing about, Jay's seeming betrayal leaves him almost to late to save the woman he has admitted he loves.  My only complaint was that the ending of the book felt abrupt to me, and I never found resolution regarding the identity of the third masked man.

Thanks to Net Galley for providing a copy of this book for review.

Cold Case in Cherokee County by Rita Herron

Jaxon is a Texas Ranger tasked by his boss to make sure a death row conviction is upheld while the prisoner awaits imminent execution. Though he finds the request a bit strange, he makes arrangements to speak to the prisoner. When he arrives, he encounters the prisoner's sister, Avery, who has an unbelievable story to tell. Avery claims her brother is innocent and confessed as a misguided attempt to protect her from being prosecuted for the crime. Since Avery has no memory of the murder, she fears her brother may have taken her place in prison. She convinces Jaxon to help her look into possibility. As the two begin to visit people from Avery's past, the conviction looks very shaky and the killer tries to warn Avery off. Jaxon helps Avery face fears from her past, and Avery gives Jaxon a renewed sense of purpose. The connection between the two increases as they spend most of their time searching out the real killer together and working to free Avery's brother before execution day. Though the story seemed a little cliche "pie in the sky" at times, it was still interesting and a nice easy read with likable characters.

Net Galley provided a copy of this book for review.

Cover Your Eyes by Mary Burton

While I have long been a fan of Mary Burton, her last novel was probably my least favorite. I was hesitant to give this one a try, but thankfully the summary pulled my interest. The idea of a killer going dormant for decades had me imagining all kinds of scenarios. Fortunately the author's scenario was better than mine.

Rachel is a lawyer who is barely making ends meet due to spending much of her time on pro bono work for the Justice Project.  Deke is a homicide detective who's recently deceased father made a name for himself on the conviction of Rachel's newest client, an admitted stalker incarcerated for murder. Rachel and Deke butt heads from the beginning. Neither of them are exactly warm and fuzzy type people...more like defensive and prickly.  If you like your suspense heavy on the romance, this is not that book. This couple takes their sweet time about getting together despite their obvious chemistry. Deke is determined to protect his father's reputation and make sure the conviction is upheld until new bodies turn up murdered in the same fashion as the killing in Rachel's case from 20 years previous. Curiosity and instinct drive Deke to find the truth and to keep an eye on Rachel. The killer also keeps tabs on Rachel's activity and takes out anyone who gets close to the truth. With many possible suspects, I was almost at the end before I figured out the real culprit. Overall, it was a good suspense in true Mary Burton style.

Net Galley provided a copy of this book for review.

Cowboy Behind the Badge by Delores Fossen

This is the second book in a series. I read the first book, Maverick Sheriff, and really liked it, so it was fun to catch back up with some of the characters. If you haven't read the first book, no worries, you will be fine reading this as a standalone. The events in this book didn't really build upon the events from the previous book or get any closer to solving the major mystery in the background of this series. I am very curious to find out whether Tucker's mother is guilty or not. Despite Rayanne's prickly nature, I really like her and hope she gets the next book, or maybe Rosalie will...I like so many characters.

Back to this story, Laine is a child psychologist who ends up witnessing a murder and being left with the care of newborn twins. In her panic, she runs to a childhood friend who has become a grown up enemy. When Tucker finds Laine scared and trying to hide the babies in his home, he doesn't want anything to do with her...except maybe to remember the last time he kissed her, when even as children they recognized a special connection. Tucker tries to fight his pull toward Laine even as she throws caution to the wind, ignores the negative comments from both of their families and goes after what she wants.  The twins are sweet and bond with Laine and with Tucker's family.  Just when I would think I knew who was after the twins and Laine, something would happen to change my mind. I was a little bit surprised by the ending. I really enjoyed all the action and the sweet romance. Overall, it was a fun easy read.

Net Galley provided a copy of this book for honest review.