Archives for August 2018

* Review * HOW TO KEEP A SECRET by Sarah Morgan

August 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

How to Keep a Secret by Sarah Morgan
Published by HQN Books on July 10, 2018
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When three generations of women are brought together by crisis, they learn over the course of one hot summer the power of family to support, nourish and surprise

Lauren has the perfect life…if she ignores the fact it’s a fragile house of cards, and that her daughter Mack has just had a teenage personality transplant.

Jenna is desperate to start a family with her husband, but it’s… Just. Not. Happening. Her heart is breaking, but she’s determined to keep her trademark smile on her face.

Nancy knows she hasn’t been the best mother, but how can she ever tell Lauren and Jenna the reason why?

Then life changes in an instant, and Lauren, Mack, Jenna and Nancy are thrown together for a summer on Martha’s Vineyard. Somehow, these very different women must relearn how to be a family. And while unraveling their secrets might be their biggest challenge, the rewards could be infinite…

Family dynamics steal the show in the latest from Sarah Morgan! I was drawn in immediately into the life of Lauren, then when things happen for her, it leads her back home to the US and we meet her sister and mother and start to unravel what makes each character tick and what secrets from the past will mean for the future of this family. They’re faced with challenges of keeping secrets, of accepting people’s mistakes and most of all of learning to forgive and still love each other. Really great story!

When Lauren Hudson’s world crumbles around her, it sends her and her daughter Mack back home to Martha’s Vineyards for the summer. She will have to pick up the pieces from the fallout of the secrets she’s kept for all of these years, and try to move forward with a new life.

Her sister Jenna Sullivan is there to support her every step of the way, but she has her own issues distracting her as well. She wants a baby more than anything, but it’s not happening, and her husband Greg just doesn’t seem all that upset about it. It weighs on her mind each and every day, so how can he be so casual about it?

Her mother Nancy is just as standoffish and judgemental as always, but as they sort through a lifetime of memories over the summer, secrets come to light that explain just why she has always been the way she’s been. Truths are uncovered, new lives are started and above all, love is showered all around!

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* Review * THREE COURAGEOUS WORDS by Elle James

August 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

Three Courageous Words by Elle James
Series: Mission: Six
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on August 1, 2018
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Once, he had to leave her behind…

Will she now trust him with her life?

The woman he just rescued is the one “Buck” Graham Buckner lost when he had to pull a vanishing act. Now the navy SEAL has to get Angela Vega out of Africa before the warlord he came to the continent to find kills them both. But the beautiful physician has children in her care, so they embark on a treacherous journey to protect them. Now Buck has a new mission—rekindling the love he never forgot.

Danger abounds as this SEAL team continues their mission! With the third book in her Mission: Six series, Elle James brings us Buck’s story. He had a past that he was running from when he joined the service, and this mission runs him smack dab into the one person he regretted having to leave behind. The story is packed full of dangerous situations, sweet memories and a satisfying reconnection. Enjoyed it and looking forward to more!

While on a secret mission in Africa, Navy SEAL Graham “Buck” Buckner sees a familiar face in a situation that instantly terrifies him! He can’t believe his eyes, but his college girlfriend who he left behind without even a goodbye when he had to go on the run is about to run into a group of terrorists. He has to get her out of there!

Dr. Angela Vega is with Doctors Without Borders at a refugee camp when she decides to march in protest with the locals to demand the resources that should have been coming to their camp. She is clueless to the danger about to cross her path, but even when Buck snatches her from the street, she’s spitting mad and fighting against leaving her mission! Will he be able to accomplish helping the kids she has in her care while dodging the danger that’s right on their heals?

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* Review * STRONG HOLD by Sarah Castille

August 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

Strong Hold by Sarah Castille
Series: Redemption
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on July 3, 2018
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"Shayla?"
For the longest moment Zack's brain couldn't process the sight in front of him.
Seven years, ten months and twenty-seven days. That was how long it had been since he'd seen her. That was how long it had been since he'd lived a life without regret.

Fight promoter Zack Grayson is on the prowl for a rising star. As the top recruiter of a prestigious MMA promotion company, he wants to take someone where he was never able to go: the top of the professional league. He didn't expect that someone to be the woman he loved...and left.

Top-ranked MMA amateur fighter Shayla "Shilla the Killa" Tyler built walls around her heart when Zack left her seven years ago—and again when her husband turned violent. Now, seeing Zack is nearly enough to send those walls crumbling. But she can't risk the exposure of the limelight, and she definitely can't risk another heartbreak.

As Shayla and Zack grow closer, though, business turns personal. And once their passion unleashes, there's no going back...

First love reunited! This entire series has been a lot of fun to read with some great characters and connections, but this book right here has topped it all for me. There’s just something about Shayla and Zack and the young love they once knew that made me sit up and watch with baited breath to see how it was all going to play out. How was he going to feel when he found out the life she’d been dealt after he left her? How was she going to feel when she learned why he walked away? And most importantly of all, were they going to find a way to get past all of the pain and just love each other again? Really loved their story!

Amateur MMA fighter Shayla Tanner never expected to see her teenage love again. They had big plans for after she graduated, but in the blink of an eye, Zach told her he was leaving and she should move on with her life. She never got over the heartbreak he dished out, but she tried to pick up the pieces and move forward. Sadly the next man she trusted wound up breaking her heart too when he turned into an abusive husband. She’s finally picking up the pieces for herself and herself only … she doesn’t need anybody anymore, just the thrill of the fight!

Fight promoter Zack Grayson walks into Redemption gym looking for the next big thing to promote through the professional MMA circuit, but he’s jaw dropping shocked to bump into his ex Shayla after almost eight years. He had a great career climbing the ranks of the MMA lifestyle after he left her, until it all fell apart at his fingertips. Still high regarded and working behind the scenes these days, Zach is still doing well for himself. He can’t believe Shayla is a fighter now … and he also can’t believe the attitude change in her from the girl he knew and loved.

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* Review * CAVANAUGH’S SECRET DELIVERY by Marie Ferrarella

August 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

Cavanaugh's Secret Delivery by Marie Ferrarella
Series: Top Secret Deliveries, Cavanaugh Justice
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on July 1, 2018
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This Cavanaugh detective guards his ready-made family

A brand-new Top Secret Deliveries thriller

Delivering a stranded woman’s baby? All in a day’s work for Detective Dugan Cavanaugh. But the new mother is investigative reporter Toni O’Keefe, who’s hot on the trail of the drug cartel Dugan is tracking. Now with infant Heather and Toni in the cartel’s lethal sights, Toni’s fragile trust in Dugan is their only shot to get Cavanaugh justice!

Unexpected delivery! With a dip into the Top Secret Deliveries series, we get to go along for the ride of yet another sexy Cavanaugh cop as he tries to rid the streets of the bad guys. The story started off exciting, and the characters were an interesting pair, but sadly this was not a favorite for me by this author. I’m sure we’ll see another great one next time, but this one fell flat for me with too little plot development.

Detective Dugan Cavanaugh is more than happy to assist when he finds a woman about to give birth on the side of the parking lot with no assistance. He manages to calm her down and delivery her baby before getting them on their way to the hospital with a promise of stopping in to check on them.

Investigative reporter Toni O’Keefe didn’t exactly plan this crazy birth going the way it did, but she’s super thankful for Dugan’s help. When they finally get a chance to connect again, it’s beneficial because she just so happens to have a lot of info on the drug cartel he’s trying to bust. Will he be able to use the info she can give him and still keep her and her little family safe?

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* Review * DILF DIARIES: OH BABY by Stephanie St. Klaire

August 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

DILF Diaries: Oh Baby by Stephanie St. Klaire
Series: DILF Diaries
on July 12, 2018
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He likes to find them hot, and leave them wet…

Women are setting their lawns on fire and sticking cats in trees all so they can dial 911 and get a glimpse of Jack Decker’s…hose. When a firefighter looks like he does, it’s no wonder panties are melting, and hearts are ablaze all over the city because he is H-O-T…hot! Jack might put out fires like a regular hero, but it doesn’t stop him from heating up the sheets and letting them smolder.

In a burning twist of fate, Jack finds himself up all night long for an entirely new reason, a reason that’s anything but smoldering. That is until the feisty firecracker next door threatens to ignite a fire he doesn’t know how to battle…Oh Baby!

Dad's doing it all...night...long!

Fresh, exciting and laugh out loud funny! With the first book in the DILF DIARIES series, we meet sexy fireman Jack Decker and watch him meander his way through hilarious situations all while wooing the girl next door and settling into a new lifestyle. The characters are a lot of fun, and the story is downright sweet. Really enjoyed it!

Fireman Jack Decker is the talk of the town! Men want to be like him, women want to be with him. From old ladies calling with their cat up a tree to mommy clubs walking by his house to hot women throwing themselves at him every where he goes … he’s the man in demand! Yet the one woman he needs to woo hates him.

ER nurse Juliet Walker can’t stand her neighbor! His egotistical frat boy like behavior is so demeaning. Loud parties, barely dressed women hanging all over, recounts of his escapades all over town … what a jerk! When an unexpected surprise shows up that sends Jack scurrying to her door to beg for her help, Juliet for the first time has some leverage to get the partying to stop interrupting her peace and quiet … but as she gets to know Jack, she comes to realize he’s more than just the rumors!

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* Review * COLD CASE COVER-UP by Virginia Vaughan

August 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * COLD CASE COVER-UP by Virginia Vaughan

Cold Case Cover-Up by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Covert Operatives
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on August 1, 2018
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She’ll risk everything to uncover her past

The first thrilling Covert Operatives tale

An infant is believed to have been murdered thirty years ago—but investigative journalist Dana Lang is convinced she’s that baby. Now someone’s willing to kill to stop her investigation. And only secretive deputy Quinn Dawson, whose grandfather may have faked Dana’s death to protect her, can keep her safe. But a killer’s dead set on burying the past—and them—for good.

Explosive secrets are uncovered! My attention was grabbed from the very start when the details of this cold case began to emerge. The story line was riveting and the characters well developed and personable. Really enjoyed it!

Investigative TV journalist Dana Lang is well known for her tenacity in getting her story, but this time, the thing she’s intent on investigating is personal! She’s found information that leads her to believe she’s the infant that was believed dead in small town West Bend, Missouri thirty years ago. She’s going to find answers of who she really is, even though things have started to happen ever since she arrived in town!

Security specialist Quinn Dawson finds himself drawn to Dana the first time he meets her, so when he hears that someone is targeting her, he’s determined to get to the bottom of it … especially when he realizes his grandfather may have been involved in whatever cover-up happened all those years ago. Danger is circling around them and determined that she won’t uncover the truth … will he be able to keep her safe while she does?

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* Review * SURPRISE BABY, SECOND CHANCE by Therese Beharrie

August 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SURPRISE BABY, SECOND CHANCE by Therese Beharrie

Surprise Baby, Second Chance by Therese Beharrie
Published by Harlequin Romance on August 1, 2018
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Reunited for one night…

Bound forever by the consequence!

Determined never to become a burden on the person she’s loves most, Rosa walked away from her husband, Aaron. Now she’s back on his island home for a family party, and they end up stranded together during a storm! Forced to confront the past and their infinite attraction, a kiss leads to one more night… And when she discovers she’s pregnant, Rosa knows it’s time to fight for their future.

Reunited! Fast paced and intriguing story about a couple who were drawn together because of a common bond, but who didn’t share their inner most thoughts and feelings well enough before marrying. The characters are both interesting and you find yourself liking them both and pulling for them to get over the hurdle to a reconciliation. The story line has good bones, but it almost feels like you’re coming in mid-scene with the way it begins and carries forward. A tad flat in the presentation, but enjoyable none-the-less!

When Rosa Spencer says she’ll attend a family party at the behest of her mother-in-law, she doesn’t know that its a set-up to get she and her estranged husband in the same room again. She left him a few months ago with no explanation, but not because of anything he had done wrong. She’s trying to protect him from the day she becomes a burden.

Aaron Spencer would have fixed anything she had a problem with if Rosa had only told him why she was unhappy enough to leave. When coming face to face with her again, all of the same love and desire flares to the surface. Stranded together in a storm, they agree to enjoy one more night before she walks away again, but when it leads to consequences, she finally figures out it’s time to fight for her marriage and the life that she wants to be leading!

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* Review * PROTECTED SECRETS by Heather Woodhaven

August 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PROTECTED SECRETS by Heather Woodhaven

Protected Secrets by Heather Woodhaven
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on August 1, 2018
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Safeguarding the witness…

And his adopted little girl

US Marshal Delaney Patton’s assignment: protect murder witness Bruce Walker and his daughter—a little girl Delaney suspects is the child she gave up for adoption years ago. But before she can explore a possible reunion, Delaney must outsmart the deadly criminal organization tracking their every move. Can she shield them long enough to find the truth…and possibly become part of the family she’s falling for?

Captivating! My attention was grabbed instantly with this book. The intrigue and danger felt real, the characters had a lot of heart and their situations brought forth feelings of sorrow and empathy. I enjoyed the adorable little girl so much! Great read!

US Marshal Delaney Patton is returning to her hometown, and gets thrown into a case sooner than she expected. She has to protect a murder witness until he can testify … but he has an adorable little girl … one that is a similar age to what her’s would have been had she not made the biggest mistake of her life in giving her up during a dark time in her life. She’s not sure she can stand being around her, but when danger seems to be around every corner, she can’t walk away and leave her in peril either!

Businessman Bruce Walker never expected to walk into the middle of a crime at his own office, then have it worsen by watching a murder take place in front of his eyes. He’s still in disbelief when Delaney swoops in to take him and his daughter to a safe house. As the bad guys seem to be able to track his every move, they race against time to find safety time and again. Along the way, he and Delaney grow close, but when she starts to recognize things in his daughter, will it all fall apart in front of his eyes?

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* Review * THE RANCHER’S TWINS by Carol Ross

August 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

The Rancher's Twins by Carol Ross
Series: Return of the Blackwell Brothers
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on August 1, 2018
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She’s not the country nanny he advertised for

But she could be perfect for him…

Jon Blackwell needs a woman ready to tackle the duties of a cattle ranch and two lively, take-no-prisoners twin girls. But ever since Lydia Newbury showed up at his six-generation Montana spread, the frazzled single father is rethinking, well, everything. The Philadelphia dazzler is a marvel. What he doesn’t know is the secret that has Lydia on the run…

Love when they least expected it! With the kick off to a new Harlequin Heartwarming series, Carol Ross brings us the story of the eldest Blackwell brother. He’s the only one left in the town they grew up in, and he’s still hard at work in the ranching life. The siblings are fairly estranged, and Jon finds himself missing the camaraderie they once knew, and the support system around him. Not only did this book bring us Jon and Lydia’s sweet love story, but it also laid the foundation for the sibling stories to come. The characters we were developed and captured my attention quickly. The adorable girls had me smiling often, and the added intrigue of Lydia’s past was an interesting twist. Really enjoyed and looking forward to the next brother’s story!

Montana rancher Jon Blackwell is running out of steam! He’s a single father to two rambunctious little girls, trying to run a cattle ranch at prime birthing season and pick up the slack at his grandfather’s place while he’s gone MIA … he needs help! He’s sure that the nanny agency he has sending him the perfect candidate will be the answer to his prayers … and sanity! After all, they advertised that they could match him with whatever he needs … and he needs a nanny that is familiar with life on a ranch.

Lydia Newbury is thrilled to have a job that will take her somewhere far away from Philadelphia, but she’s familiar with teens, not toddlers so this might be a hard job to pull off. When Jon tells her that he wanted a country nanny who knows ranching life, she promises to learn everything she needs to learn quickly because she needs this job. She manages to pull off a miracle and make his more than a handful twins into well behaved angels, and Jon finds himself enjoying her more than he should … but when her past catches up with her, what will the fallout be?

Filed Under: Book Reviews