Archives for December 2018

* Review * BULLETPROOF CHRISTMAS by Barb Han

December 31, 2018 Leave a Comment

Bulletproof Christmas by Barb Han
Series: Crisis: Cattle Barge #6
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on December 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Where there’s a will…there’s murder.

Crisis: Cattle Barge reaches its exciting Christmas finale!

When the Butlers gather for the Christmas reading of their murdered father’s will, tracker Rory Scott is focused on finding the killer targeting his ex, Cadence Butler. He’s shocked to find the ranch heiress pregnant…with his twins. Wild spirit Rory has never “done” love, but keeping Cadence safe on the run threatens to tame his untamable heart.

Secrets are exposed and truths are revealed! With the finale of the Crisis: Cattle Barge series, we finally get some answers as to what’s been going on around Hereford Ranch for all of these months, and the last prodigal child returns to gather around the family for the reading of Maverick Mike’s will. The book felt somewhat anticlimactic, but it was nice to get to know the final sibling we’ve heard so much about and get some answers … at least partial ones. Really enjoyed the series as a whole!

Heiress Cadence Butler doesn’t have any choice but to return home for the Christmas Eve reading of her murdered father’s will. She’s been laying low since the media circus began around the ranch, other than the trouble she got into trying to scare off her newly minted half sister. She’s got news to share with her family, but she’s not looking forward to it!

Tracker Rory Scott owes the Butler family a lot for taking him in and treating him like one of their own all those years ago, and he’s feeling a tad guilty because the last thing he felt from Maverick Mike was disappointment when he discovered he was having a fling with his daughter. What Rory doesn’t know is that said daughter is heading home … carrying his unborn babies right along with her!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE by Annie Rains

December 31, 2018 Leave a Comment

Christmas on Mistletoe Lane by Annie Rains
Series: Sweetwater Springs #1
Published by Forever on September 25, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Christmas is coming to the North Carolina mountains, and the air is fresh and crisp and filled with promise. After the devastating loss of her job in the big city, the small town of Sweetwater Springs feels like heaven to Kaitlyn Russo. She's inherited her grandparents' charming (if a little rundown) bed and breakfast, and it's just the new lease on life she needs. Only "heaven" comes with a catch-and a handsome and completely infuriating one at that.

After what he hopes will be a quick trip, Mitch Hargrove wants nothing more than to put his hometown in the rearview mirror. But his plans get derailed when he learns he's now half-owner of the Sweetwater B&B. The fact that he's given only two months to make the inn a success is a huge problem, but it's his pretty-and incredibly headstrong-partner who's the real challenge. With the holiday fast approaching and a grand re-opening looming, will Mitch keep running from the ghosts of Christmas past . . . or will he realize the true gift he's been given?

Includes the bonus short story "Midnight Clear" by Hope Ramsay!

A good old fashioned down-home Christmas! With the first book in the Sweetwater Springs series, we’re taken into the heart of small town living as two unlikely partners enter into the journey of getting an inn fixed up before continuing on with their separate lives. Only problem is, they never expected to fall in love along the way! Great characters, a heartfelt story line and tons of small town charm!

When Kaitlyn Russo finds out she’s inheriting her grandparents bed and breakfast in cozy Sweetwater Springs, NC just after her big city job has fallen apart in New York, she figures fate must be looking out for her and vows to make this new venture a success no matter the cost. There’s just one little hiccup in her plans … she didn’t know she was only inheriting half of the inn!

Recently discharged military man Mitch Hargrove makes a stop through Sweetwater Springs to settle the paperwork on the inn and visit his Mom on his way to the new security job he has waiting on him in Virginia. He didn’t know there was a stipulation on the inheritance saying he had to help run the place for two months before he could sell his half!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * FIVE WAYS TO SURRENDER by Elle James

December 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

Five Ways to Surrender by Elle James
Series: Mission: Six #5
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on December 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

His life is dedicated to the SEALs.

His heart is dedicated to her.

Their mission was clear: do not engage! But when his SEAL team is ambushed, “Big Jake” Schuler sacrifices his safety to draw the terrorists away from his unit. When village missionary teacher Alexandria Parker runs right into Jake’s arms, they must hide together in the wild hills of Niger, causing Jake to discover that Alex is as tough as she is beautiful. This mission he’ll engage with feelings he thought he buried a lifetime ago.

A chance meeting turns into forever! With the continued story of a SEAL team in the heart of Africa, we get to watch Jake fall hook, line and sinker for the pretty American teacher. This entire series has brought a great picture of the African’s countryside and attention grabbing intrigue. Loving it!

Navy SEAL Jake “Big Jake” Schuler knows his orders are not to engage, but when his team walks into an ambush because a local informant double crosses them, they have to do what they can to survive. Big Jake orders his team to safety while he diverts the rebel forces away from them. He’s finding his ways through the hills to a meet point to reconnect when a woman walks straight into his arms!

American missionary teacher Alexandria Parker gets a warning that a dangerous man is coming to their village and is instructed to get the children to safety. She scrambles through the hills until she has them safely stowed in a cave, but when she tries to return to attempt to get the elderly Reverend and his wife out, she’s runs into danger … and then smack dab into the arms of safety!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE TYCOON’S SHOCK HEIR by Bella Frances

December 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TYCOON’S SHOCK HEIR by Bella Frances

The Tycoon's Shock Heir by Bella Frances
Published by Harlequin Presents on January 1, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

She’s carrying the Rossini baby…

Will she become the billionaire’s bride?

Restoring his family’s legacy is all that’s important to Italian tycoon Matteo Rossini. Until captivating ballerina Ruby Martin tempts him to abandon his pursuit for a night of fiery pleasure! Yet when sweet Ruby confesses she’s pregnant, Matteo demands his child. But with heat still burning between them, can Matteo ignore his desire for Ruby, too?

Opposites attract in the latest from Bella Frances! He runs in the big leagues, she spends her time in a dance studio, but attraction is quick to flare when they find themselves in close proximity! When a baby winds up being on the way, how will they learn to coincide? The story was fast paced, attention grabbing and what a character connection!

Italian billionaire Matteo Rossini once had big dreams for where he was going to go in life, but family obligations closed some doors and placed him at the helm of the family empire. He has a lot to overcome, but he’s determined to bring the bank back to it’s glory and have his family’s name back at the top again, no matter how many hours in a day he has to work to achieve it!

Ballerina Ruby Martin happens to be in the wrong place at the right time to stumble into an introduction to Matteo when she’s foisted into the job of showing him the ins and outs of a big performance. She’s recovering from an injury, but can’t wait to be back up there on the stage herself … and her passion for the field comes through loud and clear to Matteo, sparking an interest in her he had no idea would flare. It’s all chalked up to momentary fun until she comes to tell him some news … they’re pregnant!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * CLAIMED FOR THE BILLIONAIRE’S CONVENIENCE by Melanie Milburne

December 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CLAIMED FOR THE BILLIONAIRE’S CONVENIENCE by Melanie Milburne

Claimed for the Billionaire's Convenience by Melanie Milburne
Published by Harlequin Presents on January 1, 2019
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

To redeem his notorious reputation…

She’ll agree to wear his ring!

When headlines mistakenly announce florist Holly Frost’s engagement to ruthless celebrity divorce lawyer Zack Knight, she’s stunned. His lethal charisma may have ignited a fire in her blood, but she’s finished with fairy tales. Yet Zack seems determined to turn this scandal, and their red-hot attraction, to their mutual advantage… Swept away to Paris, Holly must remember this alliance is only temporary—even while wearing his diamond!

Instant attraction leads to red hot passion when two unlikely subjects collide! A quick read filled with enjoyable characters and a storyline that kept them on their toes. Lots of chemistry and a fun happily ever after!

Florist Holly Frost is in the business of weddings, but a couple of cases of love gone wrong have turned her a bit cynical on the subject of men, and her business is starting to hurt because of it. A client turned friend tries to help her out by tweeting out misinformation, but it’s quick to backfire!

Divorce attorney Zack Knight has no idea how he got suddenly fake engaged to Holly when his back was turned, but he decides to go with the flow and whisk her away to an event in Paris … but pretending to be a couple feels only too real when in close proximity!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * RECKLESS DECEPTIONS by Karen Rock

December 30, 2018 2 Comments

Reckless Deceptions by Karen Rock
Series: Dallas After Dark #3
Published by Lyrical Liaison on December 18, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

DESIRE WITH NO LIMITS

Erica Keeley has always been willing to break the rules to catch a criminal, until her unorthodox tactics get her booted from the CIA and betrayed by the man she trusted. Now, gone rogue to stop a terrorist group, she’s working undercover at Dallas’s top male strip and burlesque club, dancing alongside sexy, sculpted men. Not that any of her co-workers give her the adrenaline rush she got from her former life. Erica hits the jackpot when she overhears her targets discussing a homegrown terrorist plot. But her last shot at redemption means getting up close and personal with her traitorous ex.

Control is what CIA officer David Arnell values above all things. Yet he was irresistibly drawn to Erica’s impulsive, uninhibited nature in the field—and in bed—until her bull-headed tactics risked the agency’s mission. Teaming up to stop a deadly attack, he’s falling again for this spontaneous, high-octane woman. And with Erica’s ties to the terrorists proving closer than either of them expected, the riskiest mission of all might be this second chance at love . . .

We’re heading back into the Dallas Heat nightclub for another intriguing case to solve! The mystery was higher in this book than previous ones in the series, but I missed the deeper inclusion of the club that we got with the prior books. Still satisfying, just different. Strong characters, well developed plot and lots of steam!

Former CIA agent Erica Keeley is working on her own to try to track down answers from the case that lost her everything. She’s always been one to go for whatever bit of information she needed no matter what the cost, but her rogue semantics cost her the job she loved and the man she was enjoying spending her time with. Now she’s knee deep into the middle of an undercover delve for info when she stumbles across some info about a homegrown terrorist mastermind. She has no choice but to contact the CIA with the info, but she hopes to be able to help track down the answers!

CIA special agent Ryan Arnell didn’t approve of Erica’s methods previously, but as he works with her again on this case, he realizes he did her a disservice by not standing by her when she had her chops busted. The info she’s uncovered is volatile and he’s afraid she’s biting off more than she can chew this time, but no matter what, he’s going to be right there by her side!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE FIREFIGHTER’S CHRISTMAS REUNION by Christy Jeffries

December 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

The Firefighter's Christmas Reunion by Christy Jeffries
Series: Sugar Falls, Idaho
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on December 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Can a chance reunion spark a Yuletide proposal?

Anything can happen in Sugar Falls!

Home for the holidays with her adopted son from Ghana, Hannah Gregson runs straight into her former flame—fire chief Isaac Jones. Though the pair are determined to keep their distance, the local matchmakers throw them together at every holiday event, and Hannah’s son worships the brave ex-soldier. If Isaac isn’t careful, he just may go from hero to family man by Christmas!

A delightful holiday read! A reunion of high school sweethearts leads to some eye-opening discoveries as mistaken viewpoints are put to the test. It’s always a pleasure to return to Sugar Falls, Idaho where the characters are always down home friendly and love blooms deeply. Warm atmosphere, interesting characters and a second chance at love!

Hannah Gregson returns home to Sugar Falls for the holidays to show her newly adopted son how welcoming her town is. She’s surprised to find her old high school boyfriend has returned to town and just happens to be the former soldier turned fire chief that her son begins to idolize.

Isaac Jones hasn’t seen Hannah in over a decade, but he realizes the grown up version is nothing like the sweet teen he loved spending his summers with. She acts like she has a chip on her shoulder when she was the one who left him high and dry! Her kid is hard to resist, but her snarky attitude has got to go!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * FOUR RELENTLESS DAYS by Elle James

December 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

Four Relentless Days by Elle James
Series: Mission: Six #4
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on September 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Caught in a web of danger

A SEAL will risk everything

Sexy SEAL “Harm” Harmon Payne isn’t looking for love…or trouble. Until he encounters the prettiest creature on the savanna, Talia Montclair. The safari resort owner has been plagued by a series of threatening incidents. This kind of trouble Harm can handle. But when Talia mysteriously disappears, Harm’s SEAL instincts kick in. His new mission: find the only woman he has ever loved.

My favorite in the series so far! Continuing their African journey, the SEAL team we’ve gotten to know in the Mission: Six series finds yet another love interest on the horizon. Harm didn’t think he believed in love until he found himself in her arms and caring about her more than he intended. The story is fast paced with a good bit of intrigue, and the characters are easy to like.

Resort owner Talia Montclair has been experiencing some strange happenings at the resort over the last few months, and though she has an idea who might be behind it, she can’t figure out what to do about it. She’s on the verge of losing the very sanctuary her late husband loved dearly if she can’t get things under control!

Navy SEAL Harmon Payne felt like he was struck by lightening when he laid eyes on the beautiful resort owner where he and the guys went for a little rest and relaxation in the form of an African safari. He’s trying to steer clear of temptation since she’s in Africa and he’s returning to the US soon before shipping off to who knows where next, but when things get too close for comfort in the danger surrounding her, he steps in to keep an eye on her. Her disappearance wasn’t exactly the next step he was hoping for!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE COTTAGE ON ROSE LANE by Hope Ramsay

December 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

The Cottage on Rose Lane by Hope Ramsay
Series: Moonlight Bay #1
Published by Forever on December 4, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Jenna Fossey's life is about to change. An unexpected inheritance and the chance to meet relatives she never knew existed has her heading to the charming little town of Magnolia Harbor. But as soon as she arrives, long-buried family secrets lead to even more questions, and the only person who can help her find the answers is her sexy-as-sin sailing instructor.

Nothing makes Jude St. Pierre feel more alive than racing on the open sea - at least, not until Jenna comes strolling down his dock asking for sailing lessons. But it feels wrong to be attracted to her - especially when he learns why she came to town. Jude knows she deserves the truth but can he help her discover it without losing her and the family he's come to think of as his own?

Includes the bonus story "A Wedding on Lavender Hill" by Annie Rains!
When an event planner is asked to create the perfect wedding in just three days, she must turn to the last person she wants to ask for help - the infuriating owner of the house on the hilltop.

An intriguing story! With the kick off of a sweet romantic series, we head down south to a coastal town filled with locals and their way of life. There’s a nice tutorial of sailing throughout the story as the characters bond on the water and set out to find the answers she’s come looking for about her father. There’s a good set up for future books in the series by the time the story ends. Enjoyed it!

When Jenna Fossey discovers unknown details about the father she never knew, she travels to Magnolia Harbor, South Carolina to learn more about he man who died before she was born. An inheritance from a grandfather she didn’t know about led to her discovery of a branch of family she didn’t know existed. Alone now that her mother recently passed, she is hungry for a connection with more family … but are they interested in meeting her?

Jude St. Pierre is not expecting the beauty who approaches him about sailing lessons, but he decides to humor her with a couple of jaunts out onto the water to see what she’s doing in town, and if it has anything to do with the suspicious timing just as he’s trying to get some of the old family homesteads declared historical and rescued from destruction. He’s hesitant to trust her, but when he learns the secret of why she’s truly there, he hopes she will find the answers she’s hoping for before too much heartbreak can hit her.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE ARMY DOC’S CHRISTMAS ANGEL by Annie O’Neil

December 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

The Army Doc's Christmas Angel by Annie O'Neil
Series: Hope Children's Hospital #3
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on December 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Letting go of his past…

…to embrace their future!

In this Hope Children’s Hospital story, pediatrician Dr. Finn Morgan keeps himself fiercely private—after losing his leg in Afghanistan, he pushed everyone away. So his unexpected attraction to colleague, physiotherapist Naomi Collins, infuriates him! Something in her stunning eyes tells him she’s a survivor too. Christmas is a time for healing, maybe they’ll both find what they’ve both been looking for—in each other’s arms…

Hope Children’s Hospital miniseries:
Book 1 — Their Newborn Baby Gift by Alison Roberts
Book 2 — One Night, One Unexpected Miracle by Caroline Anderson
Book 3 — The Army Doc’s Christmas Angel by Annie O’Neil
Book 4 — The Billionaire’s Christmas Wish by Tina Beckett

A hope for healing! An emotional venture into two lost souls who are instantly drawn to each other when they meet. He’s scarred and angry, she’s wounded temptation … together they can’t resist taking a chance on each other and healing the rifts life has left behind. A touching story!

Pediatrician Finn Morgan isn’t happy about this new-found attraction he’s feeling for his new colleague. He doesn’t want attention drawn to his on-going readjustments to losing a limb, but having her underfoot is sure to produce some.

Physiotherapist Naomi Collins has her own share of past happenings she’d love to be able to produce a different outcome for, but she’s determined to help their newest charge as she recognizes some of his fear and anxiety from her own childhood.

Filed Under: Book Reviews