Archives for December 2020

* Review * AGENT UNDER SIEGE by Lena Diaz

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * AGENT UNDER SIEGE by Lena DiazAgent Under Siege by Lena Diaz
Series: The Justice Seekers #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on January 1, 2021
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five-stars

Can they outsmart a killer

…who’s already escaped justice?

The Kentucky Ripper is in prison…or is he? When no one will help Teagan Ray find the man who really abducted her, former profiler Bryson Anton agrees to investigate. But soon their search takes two jolting turns—brutal attacks from a cunning suspect…and a powerful mutual attraction.

 

An explosive second installment in Lena Diaz’s The Justice Seekers series! AGENT UNDER SIEGE reconnects us with an injured Seeker from the first book in the series as he regains his footing and revisits the case that still haunts him. I was drawn into the book from the very first page and couldn’t put it down until the stunning conclusion. Great characters, high impact suspense and a sweet romance mixed in. Looking forward to more in the series!

Bryson is a memorable character. If you read the first book in the series you’ll remember the part he played in Dalton and Hayley’s story, and watching him work through his injury and connect with Teagan is rewarding.

Teagan is such a fun character. She’s had a huge trauma, but she hasn’t let it stop her from standing back up, digging into the case and stepping forward with her theories to try to get help. She’s sassy and direct and I simply adored her.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves non-stop action as they try to work their way through a mystery as you follow that happily ever after towards the end.

 

five-stars

* Review * HER TEXAS NEW YEAR’S WISH by Michelle Major

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER TEXAS NEW YEAR’S WISH by Michelle MajorHer Texas New Year's Wish by Michelle Major
Series: The Fortunes of Texas: The Hotel Fortune #1
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on January 1, 2021
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four-half-stars

Can you fall head over heels

And land on your feet?

When Grace Williams topples from the balcony at the soon-to-open Hotel Fortune, the last thing she expects is to find love with her new bosses’ brother. Wiley Fortune is visiting from Chicago, and the polished attorney has looks, money and charm to spare. But Grace’s past makes her wary of investing her heart—and risking her job. Do a small-town Texan and a city sophisticate really have a chance?

 

A forbidden workplace romance! With the first book in an exciting new Fortunes of Texas spinoff series The Hotel Fortune, Michelle Major brings temptation to the forefront in HER TEXAS NEW YEAR’S WISH. A fall on hotel property leaves employee Grace injured and falling for Fortune brother Wiley. I look forward to seeing what this series has in store for us as we try to figure out who is trying to sabotage the hotel!

Grace is easy to like and easy to understand. Love has brought her heartache in the past, as has cavorting with someone associated with her job, so she’s gun shy to let it happen again.

Wiley is a sweetheart. He’s thunderstruck by the zap of connection he feels the second he lays eyes on Grace across the room, but he’s heading back to Chicago in a few days … unless he listens to his heart instead of his mind.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a strongly entrenched family as the back drop to finding happily ever afters for the siblings. I’m looking forward to what The Hotel Fortune has in store for us!

four-half-stars

* Review * FOREPLAYER by Kate Meader

* Review * FOREPLAYER by Kate MeaderForeplayer by Kate Meader
Series: Rookie Rebels #4
Published by Kate Meader LLC on December 29, 2020
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five-stars

She’s got game everywhere but the bedroom. Enter the player who knows exactly how to grade her curves . . .

After a very public breakup and a viral post that declares him the villain, power forward Cal Foreman is taking a timeout from women and relationships to focus on hockey. When Chicago Rebels captain and old friend, Vadim Petrov, “volunteers” him to help train Vadim’s sister Mia, Cal figures he can do a favor for a pal and get ready for the season with his new team. But the imperious Russian would slice a skate blade through Cal’s internal organs if he knew what lessons Mia really wants.

Yeah, not that kind of stickhandling.

Hockey phenom and Olympics hopeful Mia Wallace needs help seducing the man of her dreams. That man is most definitely not Cal Foreman: notorious playboy, thorn in her side, and her brother's bestie. But surely a guy with his reputed skill set has a few tips on how she can nail her target—which makes him the perfect foreplayer.

Cal knows Mia sees him as merely the warm-up act in her grand plan to win another man, but as they spend more time together, he wonders if that’s enough.

If they could be more.

And if he could convince her he’s worthy of the starting line-up . . . in her heart?

 

So much yumminess! Kate Meader showers exciting hockey players on us on the regular, but she might have just outdone herself with Callum in book four of the Rookie Rebels series FOREPLAYER! I loved his honesty, his humor and most of all the stunted man inside who didn’t know how to recover from heartbreak until he met Mia. I’m looking forward to more in the series for sure … and here’s hoping there might be a Chicago Athenas spinoff in our future!

Mia hasn’t had it easy in life, so watching her go for a dream is heartwarming. She’s got her eyes set on a man … but she needs to up her game before she can turn his head. Who better to help her than the player himself?

Cal is a doll. He might have a revolving door installed on his bedroom, but he’s always upfront about what he has to offer and treats the women he dates with respect during and after they go their separate ways. He doesn’t plan to ever trust deeply again … until Mia comes into his world.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a good sports romance with a close knit hockey family taking center stage as one of the players finds his true love.

five-stars

* Review * HOMICIDE AT WHISKEY GULCH by Elle James

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HOMICIDE AT WHISKEY GULCH by Elle JamesHomicide at Whiskey Gulch by Elle James
Series: The Outriders Series #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on January 1, 2021
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five-stars

Someone murdered his father.

He’s home to set things right.

The moment he learns his father has been murdered, Delta Force soldier Trace Travis knows he must return home. But finding resourceful Lily Davidson, his high school sweetheart, helping his mother in the wake of the tragedy leaves him shaken. As old desires and deceits come flooding back, Trace partners with Lily to find his father’s killer—and overcome the circumstances that have always kept them apart.

 

This strong kickoff to a new series by Elle James is sure to please! With the first book in The Outriders series we meet Delta Force soldier Trace Travis and some of his team in HOMICIDE AT WHISKEY GULCH. The plot was attention grabbing, the characters a joy to get to know and the reunion of first loves did not disappoint. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Trace is strong-willed and determined and that’s exactly what he needs to face the murder of his father and seeing the one that got away upon his arrival home.

Lily is sweet and tenacious and though she has secrets from her past, she doesn’t take any gruff from Trace about her past decisions.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a fast paced mystery mixed with a happily ever after.

five-stars

* Review * HOW TO UNDO THE PROUD BILLIONAIRE by Joss Wood

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HOW TO UNDO THE PROUD BILLIONAIRE by Joss WoodHow to Undo the Proud Billionaire by Joss Wood
Series: South Africa's Scandalous Billionaires #1
Published by Harlequin Presents on January 1, 2021
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four-stars

“If I kiss you, there’s no going back…”

Hosting South Africa’s wedding of the year at his exclusive safari lodge is Radd Tempest-Vane’s ticket to restoring his family’s empire. As long as he finds a new florist, fast! Brinley Riddell is the perfect candidate. She’s also an immediate distraction.

For Brin, this lucrative job is her chance to be free of the family who never thought her good enough. Radd may be proud and strictly off-limits, but he’s the sexiest man she’s ever met! Surely one impossibly steamy encounter won’t upend their simple business deal…

 

Such a sensual temptation! With the first book in her South Africa’s Scandalous Billionaires duet with Harlequin Presents, Joss Wood quickly nabs her reader’s attention with HOW TO UNDO THE PROUD BILLIONAIRE. The characters are crisp and easy to like and each has a compelling back story that carries the plot throughout. A tad sluggish in a couple of places but quite the enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to Digby’s story!

Radd is a confident character who gains sympathy easily for his past, but he is also flawed with his one track mind and put in his place by Brinley’s strength to speak up when he doesn’t treat her fairly. Easily redeemable.

Brin is a sweetheart. She’s been stepped on a lot in life and she’s decided she’s simply not going to stand for it any longer and that realization brings her such freedom to speak her mind.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a lavish background filled with secrets and greed as they make their way towards forever.

four-stars

* Review * COWBOY UNDER FIRE by Lena Diaz

* Review * COWBOY UNDER FIRE by Lena DiazCowboy Under Fire by Lena Diaz
Series: The Justice Seekers #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on December 1, 2020
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five-stars

A Justice Seeker known for getting answers is about to face the ultimate test…

With his black Stetson and nose for the truth, former cop Dalton Lynch is the perfect addition to the Justice Seekers organization. Then a case lands in his lap that puts him right in the line of fire—and has Hayley Nash leaning on him for answers in the death of her friend. They might share a tense past, but Dalton pushes that aside to do what he does best: get the facts. Only problem is, with their history, Dalton finds working with the spirited web expert to be an exercise in restraint—especially when it comes to keeping his hands to himself.

 

This exciting new series from Lena Diaz is sure to please as COWBOY UNDER FIRE grabs a reader’s attention from the first page and holds it throughout! Great characters, an interesting set up and a totally unexpected conclusion made this a very enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to more from The Justice Seekers!

Hayley Nash is loyal and tenacious as she searches for answers regarding her friend’s murder. She’s putting herself out there against the man she suspects the most and isn’t afraid to go head to head.

Dalton is an easy to like character with an interesting history. Getting to know his team is going to be fun.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery with an unexpected love connection mixed in.

five-stars

* Review * AN UNEXPECTED ARRANGEMENT by Heidi McCahan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * AN UNEXPECTED ARRANGEMENT by Heidi McCahanAn Unexpected Arrangement by Heidi McCahan
Published by Love Inspired on January 1, 2021
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four-half-stars

Changing your life is never simple…

He needed a fresh start,

but twin babies weren’t part of the plan…

Hoping to start over, Jack Tomlinson intends to leave his hometown—until twin babies are dropped on his doorstep. He needs help, and the best nanny he knows is Laramie Chambers. As they bond over the babies, Jack can’t help but feel drawn to Laramie. But proving he’s not just her friend’s irresponsible brother could be a bigger challenge than suddenly becoming a dad…

 

A ready-made family! AN UNEXPECTED ARRANGEMENT by Heidi McCahan is a delightful read for anyone who loves a sweet connection, adorable babies and happily ever afters. Great characters paved the way for an intensely emotional story. There were a few spots that could have been developed a tad more, but overall it was a highly enjoyable solid read.

Jack is a sweetheart. He’s easy to like, easy to sympathize with and a joy to get to know.

Laramie brings such a refreshing aspect to Jack’s life and it’s adorable to watch them both fall for these surprise babies … and each other!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet, faith-based romance.

four-half-stars

* Review * BREAKING THE PLAYBOY’S RULES by Melanie Milburne

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BREAKING THE PLAYBOY’S RULES by Melanie MilburneBreaking the Playboy's Rules by Melanie Milburne
Series: Wanted: A Billionaire #2
Published by Harlequin Presents on January 1, 2021
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four-half-stars

A Greek getaway to remember!

Millie refused to enjoy her blind date with outrageously attractive lawyer Hunter. After the pain of her last relationship, how could she let herself? But when her mother needs his help, Millie must face Hunter again. This time, she can’t deny he makes her heart race…

For their second meeting, Hunter turns the full force of his charm on Millie. He’s normally a closed book—he’s learned to keep his family commitments private. But sweeping Millie off to Greece to explore their unmatched chemistry is breaking all of his rules…

 

An undeniable attraction! With the second book in her Wanted: A Billionaire series Melanie Milburne brings a fumbled blind date back to life in BREAKING THE PLAYBOY’S RULES. The characters each have a back story that is emotional and compelling. I enjoyed watching them fall for each other very much.

Millie is the epitome of a good girl who lets her conscious lead her in her decision making more than maybe she should. Life hasn’t been easy, but it’s led her to be self-sufficient.

Hunter is a sweetheart. He comes across as brash and self-deserving at first, but he’s got a heart of gold and a loyalty to be matched by no other.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an unexpected connection that leads to a highly deserved romance.

four-half-stars

* Review * THE FUGITIVE by Nichole Severn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE FUGITIVE by Nichole SevernThe Fugitive by Nichole Severn
Series: A Marshal Law Novel #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on January 1, 2021
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five-stars

She’s on the run, pregnant…

And about to find out whom she can trust.

When Raleigh Wilde reappears in Deputy Beckett Foster’s life as a fugitive, he’s shocked. He has a job to do, but she needs his help clearing her name. By-the-book Beckett is having none of it until he learns she’s pregnant—with his child. With a killer willing to do anything to keep Raleigh from discovering who embezzled millions from the charity she runs, the lawman will do whatever it takes to ensure he doesn’t become a fugitive father.

 

I was hooked from start to finish! Nichole Severn kept me on my toes with the kick off to her new Marshal Law series! The excitement is high as secrets are unraveled and threats seem to be around every corner. I really enjoyed the characters and am looking forward to more to come in the series.

Raleigh is easy to like and sympathize with as her world is exploding all around her. She’s sweet, self-assured and determined to find out who was set her up.

Beckett is a conundrum. He’s a really good guy at heart, but his past makes him quick to judge and watching his hard-nosed attitude hurt her on more than one occasion was somewhat hard to forgive.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a mystery that has many twists as a romance is swirling in the background.

five-stars

* Review * THE CHILD WHO CHANGED THEM by Tara Taylor Quinn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE CHILD WHO CHANGED THEM by Tara Taylor QuinnThe Child Who Changed Them by Tara Taylor Quinn
Series: The Parent Portal #5
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on January 1, 2021
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four-stars

Their fling created a baby

And nothing would ever be the same…

Burned by infertility and divorce, Dr. Greg Adams knows he’ll never have the family he always wanted. So he refuses to settle down—even if he once felt something deeper with his colleague, widow Dr. Elaina Alexander. But when Elaina announces she’s pregnant with his miracle child, Greg finds his life turned upside down. Can the good doctor convince Elaina that their happiness lies within reach—and with each other?

 

An emotional story of love when they least expect it! With book five in her Parent Portal series Tara Taylor Quinn brings Elaina and Greg to life as dreams are fulfilled, miracles occur and love conquers all.

Elaina is a complex character. At first she seems straightforward, but as her past unravels we learn what a soap opera of a life she’s been living over the years. She’s career driven, but takes time to appreciate life and isn’t afraid of going after her dreams.

Greg is a sweetheart. His infertility derailed his marriage previously, so hearing that a miracle has given him a second chance is so heartwarming.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an unexpected baby story with a lot of heart, comfort and joy.

four-stars