Archives for November 2022

* Review * CODE NAME: OUTLAW by Janie Crouch

November 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CODE NAME: OUTLAW by Janie Crouch

Code Name: Outlaw by Janie Crouch
Series: Linear Tactical #15
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on November 15, 2022
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Months trapped in the clutches of a madman made Jenna Franklin a shell of the woman she once was. All she can do now is use her computer genius from inside the safety of closed doors.

Even two years later, going outside = blood-freezing panic.

She’s made herself a haven in the only place she’s felt safe since her captivity: Oak Creek, Wyoming—home of her Linear Tactical friends. They don’t realize the extent of her emotional trauma, but at least she knows she can trust them.

Only one person knows the truth about the fragile mental state she’s hiding: Zodiac agent, Mark Outlawson—code name: Outlaw.

He’s witnessed her panic firsthand. Knows what it does to her.

When info on a human trafficking group—one connected to her own captivity—comes to light, it’s clear only Jenna’s expertise can stop them. Mark will have to prove Jenna can trust him—to keep her secrets, to protect her, to help fight her demons.

He’ll prove this outlaw is a hero.

Captivating and raw! I’ve been along for the ride of the Linear Tactical series from the start so any visit back is a win for me. I enjoyed seeing some of the old team as well as some of the Zodiac Tactical guys work together against the common enemy. Some might find the lack of outright detailed explanation about Jenna’s past to be off putting, but I’m willing to overlook it not being in this book as much as it probably should be because I’ve read bits and pieces previously in the series, but if you’re new to the series you might find it lacking.

Jenna is strong and brilliant in what she can do, but she still suffers the after effects of evil after being held in captivity for months. Mark understands her and helps ease her pain when she is needed for a crucial project.

Mark is the epitome of a good man. A soldier who put his life on the line time and again for the better good and a guy always willing to take one for the team in his current job, but life is starting to let him down and he’s slowing down and realizing the beauty that is in front of him.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire Linear Tactical and Zodiac Tactical series to anyone that enjoys a great group of former soldiers who band together to right the wrongs as each falls for their forever love and stands strong in the fight for them all.

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* Review * SCORING BIG by Kelly Jamieson

November 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SCORING BIG by Kelly Jamieson

Scoring Big by Kelly Jamieson
Series: Bears Hockey II #3
Published by Kelly Jamieson on November 15, 2022
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Nate
Delaying treatment for my bum knee until the off season isn’t the smartest move, but hey, I’m a big dumb jock. And pro hockey players play, come hell or broken bones.

That stupid knee sends me sprawling in front of the prettiest lady in Central Park. She’s also smart, and kind, and she bonds with my young daughter Quinn over strawberry cheesecake ice cream. Can’t hurt to ask her out for coffee, right?

Carly
There aren’t many options for a laid-off au pair in New York City. I can’t live on couch surfing, ranty blogging, and less ranty freelance articles forever, but I won’t work with kids again. It’s too painful when it ends.

But coffee with a single dad can’t hurt, right? Maybe a second date. Heck, why not make it one steamy night in his bed? But when Nate has to go under the knife, he asks me to help care for his daughter. I don’t want to be a nanny again, but I can’t turn him down. I’ll just have to keep my guard up to protect my heart.

Another winner from Jamieson in her Bears Hockey II world! I was quickly hooked on Nate and Carly’s story as we are wrapped around adorable Quinn’s little precocious finger. I was invested in them from start to finish, but I wanted more development to that ending. More of where things were going from there and how it was all going to play out would have been ideal.

Carly is an interesting character who has a bit of growing up to do on how to handle turmoil in her life, but overall is a caring, goodhearted person. I enjoyed her.

Nate is a doll and a doting father to an adorable daughter. He might have a few blinders on when it comes to his ex, but he’s a solid guy.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a fun-loving hockey team who follow along with one another’s lives and cheer on the happily ever afters along the way.

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* Review * BEFORE I LET GO by Kennedy Ryan

November 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BEFORE I LET GO by Kennedy Ryan

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
Series: Skyland #1
Published by Forever on November 15, 2022
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Their love was supposed to last forever. But when life delivered blow after devastating blow, Yasmen and Josiah Wade found that love alone couldn’t solve or save everything.

It couldn’t save their marriage.

Yasmen wasn’t prepared for how her life fell apart, but she’s is finally starting to find joy again. She and Josiah have found a new rhythm, co-parenting their two kids and running a thriving business together. Yet like magnets, they’re always drawn back to each other, and now they’re beginning to wonder if they’re truly ready to let go of everything they once had.

Soon, one stolen kiss leads to another…and then more. It's hot. It's illicit. It's all good—until old wounds reopen. Is it too late for them to find forever? Or could they even be better, the second time around?

I was hooked throughout every delectable page! Kennedy Ryan is yanking on our heartstrings something fierce with the first book in her Skyland series, a gut wrenching rendition of life at it’s worst and the reawakening after the darkness. There’s laughter and tears, love through the pain and so many feel good moments as we follow their journey back from the sadness they became. You are not going to want to miss this book … and be prepared to not be able to put it down. I really hope we see more of this fam and get to see her BFF’s get a story soon!

Yasmen and Josiah are both amazing characters. Life tore them apart, but they still have great love for each other and the life that they shared and they make great effort to put their children first always as they meander through the ins and outs of moving on without each other. I loved their love and respect for each other and though they each have different sides to their story, you can’t really find fault with either one.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves love and holds out hope that even in the darkest days, love will find a way.

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* Review * EXPOSED by Anna J. Stewart

November 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Exposed by Anna J. Stewart
Series: Circle of the Red Lily #1
Published by CAEZIK Romance on November 15, 2022
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Working as a Hollywood photographer means Riley Temple has seen it all. But then she finds herself staring at the chilling image of a dead woman. When her questions about the film lead to violence, she reluctantly turns to the only person who can help. Detective Quinn Burton, the police commissioner’s son. Her history with the LAPD is complicated, her trust in authority, tenuous. But to find those responsible and protect those closest to her, she’s willing to do anything. Even trust a cop.

After more than a decade on the job, Quinn knows a dangerous situation when he sees it and Riley Temple is up to her ears in trouble. But not for the reason she thinks. The pictures she’s stumbled on call into a question a notorious murder conviction—one that powerful people have a vested interest in keeping in place. Seeing this case through means betraying someone: his job, his family, or the woman he’s falling in love with.

As old secrets are revealed, Quinn and Riley find themselves targeted by members of a secret society that has long maintained violent control over Hollywood’s powerful elite. A society that, until now, has remained hidden in the shadows. A society that will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried.

What a ride! I was quickly hooked and enjoyed every single minute of Anna J. Stewart’s dive into a brand new diabolical series that endeared me to it’s characters just as much as it hooked me on the proclivities that were occurring around every corner and teasing me into following along page after page to discover. There are many unanswered questions here and much to build on, so I’m hoping this is going to turn into a long-lived series to intrigue me book after book. Well done!

Riley Temple is a kind, caring individual who happens to have a little bit of an ugly side hustle. Her goodness far outweighs her snark though and I enjoyed getting to know her and getting to see her stumble across the story of a lifetime. She has quite a cast of friends and family that leave a lot of potential here for several more stories as this mystery continues to unravel.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a whodunnit with some weight to the crime and lots of twists and turns as we meander through the characters. There’s a close knit family vibe here between her friends, fam and those she’s taken under her wing. Also some romance with her new favorite cop.

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* Review * RAVAGED by Naima Simone

November 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Ravaged by Naima Simone
Series: Burned Inc. #2
Published by Montlake on November 15, 2022
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Miriam

It’s no coincidence that my family’s breakup service is called BURNED Inc. I know what it’s like to be dumped. I’ve been there.

Long story short, I’ve got a rule when it comes to my love life: no athletes. As it happens, my best friend, Jordan, is a professional basketball player. He also has a delicious body and sexy tattoos.

But rules are rules.

Jordan

Miriam is my best friend. She’s also the love of my life, the woman I’ve been dreaming about since we met. But she doesn’t do athletes.

I get it. I really do. And I just want Miriam to be happy. Which is why I set her up with a teammate to help her find the man she deserves—even though I can tell she’s into me from that one hot-as-hell night we shared months ago. Still, rules are rules.

But here’s the thing: I’m a competitor.

And sometimes you have to break the rules to win.

A decadently tempting friends to lovers story with all of the angst and feels rolled into one delightful read! I loved this second book in Naima Simone’s BURNED Inc series even more than the first and the only thing I really wanted to see developed a bit more was his NBA world which fell a little to the wayside behind Miriam’s secret life. I loved their story and am looking forward to seeing what is in store for Levi.

Miriam is the family brainiac and has let herself become comfortable in business with her brother and sister, but what no one knows is the secret desire she has in life and how far she’s come towards achieving it.

Jordan is a sweetheart and I loved watching his love for Miriam outshine just about everything for him.

I recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone that likes a fresh business concept revolving around a close knit group of siblings who are thriving despite the turmoil of life around them.

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* Review * MERRY CHRISTMAS COWBOY by Maisey Yates

November 2, 2022 Leave a Comment

Merry Christmas Cowboy by Maisey Yates
Series: Four Corners Ranch #2
Published by HQN Books on October 25, 2022
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As the snow falls on Four Corners Ranch, all this untamed cowboy wants for Christmas is the family he’s never had…

Cowboy Wolf Garrett is delighted his brother is happily married—really, he is. But time can never heal Wolf’s own wounds, so being surrounded by such marital joy is a bit…much. A trip to his extended family’s ranch in Copper Ridge seems the ideal change of scenery. Until he meets local innkeeper Violet Donnelly and realizes he’s exchanged one form of torture for another—trying, and spectacularly failing, to resist their instant, wildly hot chemistry.

Violet knew Wolf was trouble the moment he walked into her inn. But it's a whole new level of trouble when she discovers that their secret nights have left her pregnant! Especially when she has six feet of gorgeous, furious cowboy demanding that she come home with him for the holidays and marry him. Wolf has lost more than she could ever imagine, but Violet believes in the power of love to heal, and she’ll do anything to give their future family a chance. Wolf has already given her so many firsts—dare she hope he’s about to become her first Christmas miracle too?

Bonus novella included!

When two Maisey Yates worlds collide, a treat is in store for all! Fans of Yates will be delighted to take a trip back to an old favorite, Copper Ridge, in book two of her latest Four Corners Ranch series. Once angsty teen Violet Donnelly is all grown up and hooking up with Wolf Garrett when he comes to visit his cousins. I loved seeing Violet and her family again and watching her fall in love was heartwarming.

Wolf is a kindhearted man, but he’s set in his ways of never getting sucked into losing his heart to a woman capable of leaving him and crushing his soul.

Violet is sweet, sincere and enjoying the family she has around her when temptation like she’s never known before comes knocking.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a small town cowboy romance with endearing characters, sweetly passionate love stories and lots of drama to sink your teeth into.

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* Review * A SANTA STABBING by Geri Krotow

November 2, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A SANTA STABBING by Geri Krotow

A Santa Stabbing by Geri Krotow
Series: Shop 'Round the World #1
Published by Tule Publishing on November 2, 2022
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She didn't realize she'd traded "Naval Aviator" for "amateur sleuth"…

Retired Navy pilot Angel Warren’s new life awaits in Stonebridge, Pennsylvania, where she’s opening Shop ‘Round the World, her travel-inspired gift and novelty shop. A newly empty nester and longtime widow, she’s looking forward to leaving her flying career and its many life-or-death decisions behind and reconnecting with family and friends. Right now, Angel’s biggest challenge is getting the shop ready for its grand opening just weeks before Christmas.

Until she finds a dead body in the shop murdered with one of her specialty Santa figurines. Even worse, Angel’s fingerprints are on the “weapon” and she’s a prime suspect. It doesn’t help that the deceased is an old friend who’s collected a long list of enemies as a cut-throat real estate agent. And then there’s the Stonebridge Chief of Police—and Angel’s high school BFF—who brings her in for questioning.

If Angel wants to clear her name before the Christmas rush, she’s going to need to do some sleuthing on her own—and with the help of her stressed out parrot, Ralph.

A delightful small-town holiday caper! Geri Krotow shines in her cozy mystery debut with a solid cast of characters, a humorous pet parrot and an addictive whodunnit mystery. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

Angel is strong, accomplished and deserving of a relaxing transition to what coming home will be, but life has anything but that in store for her.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun mystery revolving around a small town and all of it’s whimsy characters.

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* Review * NOBODY CARES UNLESS YOU’RE PRETTY by Lani Lynn Vale

November 2, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * NOBODY CARES UNLESS YOU’RE PRETTY by Lani Lynn Vale

Nobody Cares Unless You're Pretty by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Gator Bait MC #1
on November 1, 2022
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The problem with Wake was that he was understandable. He was the type of villain that literally scared the absolute shit out of you because you knew that under the right circumstances, you could end up exactly like him.

Which, sadly, was the case for me.

I’d done the exact same thing as Wake, and now I was a murderer just like him.

Did I know that I did wrong? Hell yes.

Did I regret that? Hell no.

Did I plan on changing a thing? Also, no.

Was I falling in love with a man that should scare the shit out of me? A resounding hell yes.

Highly addictive and exhilarating! Lani Lynn Vale has a way with a strong-willed and good-hearted man who is willing to throw caution to the wind to right every wrong that crosses their path that just guts me on a regular basis! I am happy to dive into each and every hero like this that she writes. Great characters, an addictive subject and so much yummy goodness that you won’t be able to stop reading once you start.

Wake is above all else a loving father. He’s easily redeemable even though he has spent years in prison, and I can’t wait to see more of how he and the rest of his crew grow and thrive in the rest of this series.

Dutch is sweet and sincere and willing to go where she never thought she would have to.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a strong, alpha male that is willing to push the boundaries when justice calls for it and who loves hard and forever.

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* Review * THE PRINCE’S ONE -NIGHT BABY by Juliette Hyland

November 2, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE PRINCE’S ONE -NIGHT BABY by Juliette Hyland

The Prince's One-Night Baby by Juliette Hyland
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on October 25, 2022
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A passionate encounter…

…with royal consequences!

Meeting midwife Calla on his flight home makes Dr. Kostas’s long journey far more exciting. Especially when their instant attraction leads to a red-hot layover! But Kostas can offer only one night of pure passion. Because, unbeknownst to Calla, he’s also a prince—with no intention of inflicting the pressures of royal life on anyone again. So it’s a shock to discover they’ll be colleagues at his new clinic…and an even bigger shock is heading their way…

A tale of temptation too tempting to resist! Juliette Hyland always delivers a captivating story with easy to relate to characters and her latest did not disappoint! I highly enjoyed their connection and meandering the ups and downs of settling into their new reality with them.

Kostas is quick to catch a readers eye because though he is a royal, he’s been enjoying his laid back secretive life in America for more than a decade and is reluctant to return to the stifling life awaiting.

Calla is sweet and new to life outside of her little bubble, so watching her experience so many firsts is exciting. I enjoyed her!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a medical setting with romantic elements and an addition perk of diving into the royal life as their relationship progresses.

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