* Review * THE LAST TRUE COWBOY by Laura Drake

* Review * THE LAST TRUE COWBOY by Laura DrakeThe Last True Cowboy by Laura Drake
Series: Chestnut Creek #1
Published by Forever on December 4, 2018
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four-stars

This cowboy's got one last chance to prove himself.

Carly Beauchamp has loved cowboy Austin Davis since first grade. Ask anyone in their dusty, backwater New Mexico town of Unforgiven, and they'll say "Carly and Austin" the way some say "big trucks and country boys." But after years of waiting for a wedding ring, Carly's done with being a rodeo widow . . .

Austin never meant to put his career on the circuit before Carly. She's always been his future, his one and only. But now that she's moved on, he's beginning to see where he went wrong, and he'll do anything to win her back. The only thing is, Carly's suddenly acting differently, and she's definitely hiding a secret-one that will test the depth of their love and open up a whole new world of possibilities.

 

With the first book in a brand new series from Laura Drake, we are introduced to the town of Unforgiven, New Mexico and settle in to the story of the “it” couple in town. She’s running her family cafe just waiting for him to marry her, and he’s having too much fun traveling from one rodeo town to another to realize that she’s tired of waiting. The fallout from her walking away might be more than this couple can recover from, no matter how much they have always loved each other! The story is comprised of really interesting characters who were quick to grab my attention, and other than a few timeline tidbits that didn’t seem to add up it was a solid read. Looking forward to another visit to Unforgiven soon!

Carly Beauchamp never expected to still be waiting on that promised “forever” at almost thirty. She’s been in love with one man for her entire life, but she’s getting really tired of playing second fiddle to the rodeo. How many times can she hear “just one more year” before she explodes? She never wanted to walk away from him, but she just couldn’t handle being pushed to the wayside one more time … now she’s in a place she never wanted or expected. She’s dug herself so far into a hole, she’s not sure she can manage the climb out.

Rodeo cowboy Austin Davis thought Carly would always be there. He’s always planned to settle down with her after the thrill of the rodeo is over and start their own dream business while they grow old raising a family … but too little, too late is what he offered her. He can’t believe this time she really means she’s walking away, but as days pass without her in them, he starts to open his eyes … he really did take her for granted! Now he’s got to do everything in his power to win her back … and hope he’s not too late!

four-stars

* Review * SIX MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT by Elle James

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SIX MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT by Elle JamesSix Minutes to Midnight by Elle James
Series: Mission: Six #6
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on January 1, 2019
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four-stars

He’s a navy SEAL who’s highly trained for any assignment.

So why can’t he resist the woman he’s vowed to protect?

Navy SEAL “T-Mac” Trace McGuire is assigned to protect army specialist Kinsley Anderson and Agar, her IED-detecting dog. When they’re shot at and nearly blown up, T-Mac admires Kinsley’s ability to hold her own. On the run from terrorists, T-Mac is trained to ensure their safety and survival in the African desert. He’s prepared for every scenario but one: falling for the woman whose life is in his hands.

 

The final chapter! We’ve been on adventure after adventure with this closeknit group of SEALs, and it’s a pleasure to see Trace find his true love before they head stateside again! The entire series gave us an in depth look at the countryside of Africa as they traversed it, and gave us a glimpse into some of the unjust that could be happening at any time. It was a powerful series and I really enjoyed it. Great to get caught up with all of the other guys before it was all wrapped up!

When Navy SEAL Trace “T-Mac” McGuire encounters Army specialist Kinsley Anderson and her explosives detecting K-9 partner, he is awestruck. He’s not usually taken in just by the looks of a lady, but there’s something about how she carries herself as she’s working alongside them in a dangerous situation that really attracts him to her. When he’s assigned protection duty of the lovely dog handler and her canine, he takes his job seriously.

Kinsley doesn’t want any special treatment because she’s a woman. She’s trained hard with her canine Agar to come here to assist in saving as many of our guys as possible by stopping the bomb destruction before it can happen. T-Mac is quite the distraction … but a fairly welcome one in the end!

four-stars

* Review * BEFORE WE WERE STRANGERS by Brenda Novak

* Review * BEFORE WE WERE STRANGERS by Brenda NovakBefore We Were Strangers by Brenda Novak
Published by MIRA on December 4, 2018
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five-stars

Something happened to her mother that night. Something no one wants to talk about. But she’s determined to uncover her family’s dark secrets, even if they bury her.

Five-year-old Sloane McBride couldn’t sleep that night. Her parents were arguing again, their harsh words heating the cool autumn air. And then there was that other sound—the ominous thump before all went quiet.

In the morning, her mother was gone.

The official story was that she left. Her loving, devoted mother! That hadn’t sat any better at the time than it did when Sloane moved out at eighteen, anxious to leave her small Texas hometown in search of anywhere else. But not even a fresh start working as a model in New York could keep the nightmares at bay. Or her fears that the domineering father she grew up with wasn’t just difficult—he was deadly.

Now another traumatic loss forces Sloane to realize she owes it to her mother to find out the truth, even if it means returning to a small town full of secrets and lies, a jilted ex-boyfriend, and a father and brother who’d rather see her silenced. But as Sloane starts digging into the past, the question isn’t whether she can uncover what really happened that night…it’s what will remain of her family if she does?

 

A riveting, deeply entrenching read! I was hooked immediately! We get to know Sloane little by little before she reveals why she is returning home after all these years and what’s she’s hoping to find there. The story takes many unexpected turns, and even when you think you know what happened, you will be shocked once again. Really great book filled with richly built characters, in depth development of past events and a captivating delve into the current life spinning on it’s axle around her. Loved it!

Model Sloane McBride might have left home to head to the bright lights of New York a decade ago, but some parts of Millcreek would never leave her mind. Like the memories and dreams that continue to haunt her. She’s not so sure she wants to know the answers, but the churning fear in her gut won’t be silenced any longer. She has to find out what happened to her mother that night. She might have only been five years old, but she remembers things. Voices, fighting, things that were said, a loud thump, then silence … and the next morning Mom was gone … forever.

The return to town is just as volatile as she expects. Her high school best friend is trying to act like no time has passed, her ex-boyfriend still holds an obvious grudge for her leaving, her father tries to run her out of town before she even gets there, and her brother is making it clear he has no wish to dredge up the past alongside her. It seems like everyone is against her … but she’s determined to bring her mother peace once and for all, regardless of the danger that starts to swirl!

five-stars

* Review * BULLETPROOF CHRISTMAS by Barb Han

* Review * BULLETPROOF CHRISTMAS by Barb HanBulletproof Christmas by Barb Han
Series: Crisis: Cattle Barge #6
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on December 1, 2018
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four-stars

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!

four-stars

* Review * CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE by Annie Rains

* Review * CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE by Annie RainsChristmas on Mistletoe Lane by Annie Rains
Series: Sweetwater Springs #1
Published by Forever on September 25, 2018
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five-stars

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!

five-stars

* Review * FIVE WAYS TO SURRENDER by Elle James

* Review * FIVE WAYS TO SURRENDER by Elle JamesFive Ways to Surrender by Elle James
Series: Mission: Six #5
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on December 1, 2018
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four-half-stars

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!

four-half-stars

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

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TYCOON’S SHOCK HEIR by Bella FrancesThe Tycoon's Shock Heir by Bella Frances
Published by Harlequin Presents on January 1, 2019
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four-half-stars

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!

four-half-stars

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

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CLAIMED FOR THE BILLIONAIRE’S CONVENIENCE by Melanie MilburneClaimed for the Billionaire's Convenience by Melanie Milburne
Published by Harlequin Presents on January 1, 2019
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four-half-stars

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!

four-half-stars

* Review * RECKLESS DECEPTIONS by Karen Rock

* Review * RECKLESS DECEPTIONS by Karen RockReckless Deceptions by Karen Rock
Series: Dallas After Dark #3
Published by Lyrical Liaison on December 18, 2018
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four-stars

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!

four-stars

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

* Review * THE FIREFIGHTER’S CHRISTMAS REUNION by Christy JeffriesThe Firefighter's Christmas Reunion by Christy Jeffries
Series: Sugar Falls, Idaho
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on December 1, 2018
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four-stars

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!

four-stars