Book Reviews – Page 62

* Review * THE WRONG VICTIM by Allison Brennan

May 9, 2022 Leave a Comment

The Wrong Victim by Allison Brennan
Series: A Quinn & Costa Thriller #3
Published by MIRA on April 26, 202
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A bomb explodes on a sunset charter cruise out of Friday Harbor at the height of tourist season and kills everyone on board. Now this fishing and boating community is in shock and asking who would commit such a heinous crime—the largest act of mass murder in the history of the San Juan Islands.

Was the explosion an act of domestic terrorism, or was one of the dead the primary target? That is the first question Special Agent Matt Costa, Detective Kara Quinn and the rest of the FBI team need to answer, but they have few clues and no witnesses.

Accused of putting profits before people after leaking fuel endangered an environmentally sensitive preserve, the West End Charter company may itself have been the target. As Matt and his team get closer to answers, they find one of their own caught in the crosshairs of a determined killer.

An explosion sets the stage for various mysteries colliding! The third book in the Quinn and Costa Thriller series was a bit slow to start, but once Quinn and Costa were introduced into the scene it all began coming together a bit. Various suspects kept us guessing as danger lurked, secrets were uncovered and nefarious plots were carried out. There were a lot of characters to keep track of and follow and a few things got lost in the translation along the way, but the suspense kept me going forward and the end road was satisfying.

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* Review * THE ADOPTION by Jenna Kernan

May 9, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Adoption by Jenna Kernan
Published by Bookouture on May 11, 2022
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Your little girl is all yours… isn’t she?

Dani and her husband Tate’s life together is almost perfect. But Dani is haunted by guilt for causing a terrible car accident that left her unable to have children. She can’t remember why she was driving so fast that day or where she was going. Her therapist says she should try to move on.

So when their application to adopt is accepted, Dani sobs with joy. As perfect little Willow nestles in her arms, Dani looks at Tate’s loving smile and knows he will always provide for his family, no matter what.

When Dani sees a woman staring as she pushes Willow’s stroller around the safe, gated Florida community where they live, she tells herself it’s simply an admiring passer-by. After all, Dani herself used to watch the local moms and wish she was in their shoes.

But when Dani wakes in the night to find Willow’s crib empty, their perfect life becomes a nightmare.

In her frantic distress for her daughter, Dani’s memories of the accident flash through her mind. And with a jolt she realises: everyone around her has been lying about that day.

Will Dani find out the truth before it’s too late for her baby girl?

Or will facing her own dark secrets tear them all apart?

Emotional twists and turns will grab your attention! I was captivated by the premise of this story, however it fell flat in the end for me. There was much potential as the story unfolded, yet a good bit of repetitive and disjointed prose made the connection sag. I liked the character depiction, the development was iffy because of time shifts and overall confusion of what was happening and who was truly in the story. I felt the very end gave a little more insight into what the author was going for, but not a favorite by this author for me. Holes needed to be filled, more concise suspense needed to be in place and less retelling of the same happenings or feelings.

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* Review * FOREVER YOURS by Jules Bennett

May 9, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FOREVER YOURS by Jules Bennett

Forever Yours by Jules Bennett
Series: A Haven Novella
Published by Jules Bennett on May 10, 2022
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Ex-military turned small-town pilot Brock Monroe has never forgotten his high school sweetheart…or the heartbreak she caused when she left town. But when she returns years later for a birthday celebration, Brock is taken off guard and can’t help but wonder if there’s any spark left between them.

Alli Foster is too much of a free-spirit to stay in one place for very long. She’s allowed herself one week in Haven to visit her family, but then she runs into Brock and all of those old feelings resurface.

When Alli gets caught in an innocent little lie with her family, Brock comes to her rescue as her faux date. Will their ruse of playing pretend turn into their happily-ever-after?

A sweet return to Haven, Georgia! This novella is a quick dash back into the town we fell in love with a few years back in The Monroes series. I highly enjoyed the catch up with some treasured characters and enjoyed every minute of their story. That said, I think you need to go back and read The Monroes series first in order to pick up on the nuances depicted in this story. There wasn’t any true relationship development because it’s a short story, but it’s sweet none-the-less.

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* Review * THE DACHSHUND WEARS PRADA by Stefanie London

May 3, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE DACHSHUND WEARS PRADA by Stefanie London

The Dachshund Wears Prada by Stefanie London
Series: Paws in the City #1
Published by HQN Books on May 3, 2022
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How do you start over when the biggest mistake of your life has more than one million views?

Forget diamonds—the internet is forever. Social media consultant Isla Thompson learned that lesson the hard way when she went viral for all the wrong reasons. A month later, Isla is still having nightmares about the moment she ruined a young starlet’s career and made herself the most unemployable influencer in Manhattan. But she doesn’t have the luxury of hiding until she’s no longer Instagram poison. Not when her fourteen-year-old sister, Dani, needs Isla to keep a roof over their heads. So, she takes the first job she can get: caring for Camilla, a glossy-maned, foul-tempered hellhound.

After a week of ferrying Camilla from playdates to pet psychics, Isla starts to suspect that the dachshund’s bark is worse than her bite—just like her owner, Theo Garrison. Isla has spent her career working to make people likable and here’s Theo—happy to hide behind his reputation as a brutish recluse. But Theo isn’t a brute—he’s sweet and funny, and Isla should not see him as anything but the man who signs her paychecks. Because loving Theo would mean retreating to his world of secluded luxury, and Isla needs to show Dani that no matter the risk, dreams are always worth chasing.

London stole my heart … with a snooty, opinionated dog! With the first book in the new Paws in the City series I was delighted to meet Camilla the dachshund who stole the show and warmed my heart. I was quickly hooked with attention grabbing characters, storylines and witty banter. Adorable, sweet, emotional and let’s not forget the steamy goodness all rolled into one addictive read! I cannot wait for more to come in this series.

Isla’s conundrum kicks off the book and sets the stage for her interaction with adorable Camilla. She was easy to like and heartwarming.

Theo tried his best to come across as gruff and unfeeling, but his depth was there from the very start. I really liked him and felt for his situation.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an animal playing a large part in the meeting of the core couple and a mixture of humor, emotion and happily ever after throughout.

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* Review * MONTANA DESIRE by Jose Jade and Janie Crouch

April 26, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MONTANA DESIRE by Jose Jade and Janie Crouch

Montana Desire by Josie Jade, Janie Crouch
Series: Resting Warrior Ranch #3
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on April 26, 2022
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No one is guaranteed tomorrow.

Grant Carter knows that fact intimately. The shrapnel sitting on his spine from an IED is a daily reminder.

But the constant pain won’t stop him from working at the Resting Warrior Ranch, training service and emotional support animals to help people with PTSD—something else he’s intimately familiar with.

He’ll fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

When his neighbor, shy veterinarian Cori Jackson, is humiliated by her ex-boyfriend for things she’d like to experiment with in bed, Grant is more than happy to show her real men aren’t threatened by an adventurous spirit.

The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes the literal girl-next-door is the one for him. And when Cori finds herself in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy surrounding the animals she treats, Grant will make sure she makes it out alive.

He's a fighter. Was one in the Navy SEALs and still is one today. And he’ll fight for Cori.

Even if it costs him everything.

Grant and Cori are everything! The third book in the Resting Warrior Ranch series brings on all the feels as Grant and Cori electrify the pages with their sexual chemistry and warm our hearts with their sincerity. I loved every minute of their story and am looking forward to the next book to come in the series!

Grant is a sweetheart who puts everyone above himself even when he’s at a hard point in his life. I loved his kind heart.

Cori is adorable. She’s determined to succeed and refuses to let her problems derail her dreams.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a bit of a suspense mixed with a passionate love story with the strong back drop of a group of friends helping each other and those in need as they each settle into forever.

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* Review * WEDDING SEASON by Michelle Major

April 26, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WEDDING SEASON by Michelle Major

Wedding Season by Michelle Major
Series: The Carolina Girls #3
Published by HQN Books on April 26, 2022
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The last person she wants to see in Magnolia, North Carolina, could be exactly whom she’s been waiting for…

Mariella Jacob was one of the world’s premier bridal designers, but one viral PR disaster later, she’s trying to get her torpedoed career back on track in small-town Magnolia, North Carolina. With a secondhand store and a new business venture helping her friends turn the Wildflower Inn into a wedding venue, Mariella is finally putting at least one mistake behind her. Until that mistake—in the glowering, handsome form of Alex Ralsten—moves to Magnolia too.

Mariella ruined Alex’s wedding by announcing that his starlet bride-to-be was sleeping with Mariella’s fiancé. While he’s furious when they’re forced to work together, there’s no denying Mariella is hardworking, talented…and gorgeous. In fact, though Alex keeps reminding himself that they’re enemies, something deeper is growing…daring them to admit that a rocky past might lead to something unexpectedly wonderful.

Magnolia always entertains! The third book in The Carolina Girls series takes us back to small town Magnolia and the ladies planning weddings at the Wildflower Inn. I enjoyed the setting, the humor is always spot on and the romance is so yummy. I’m looking forward to more to come from the town!

Mariella is hardnosed and bitter, but she really shined in her story once she let her guard down a bit and let her soul begin to heal.

Alex is a doll. He’s successful, he’s heartfelt and he found just the right spot for Mariella in his heart.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a romance in a small town setting with tons of heart, chuckles galore and always such an endearing happily ever after.

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* Review * MAYBE WE WON’T by Melissa Foster

April 25, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MAYBE WE WON’T by Melissa Foster

Maybe We Won't by Melissa Foster
Series: Silver Harbor #3
Published by Montlake on April 26, 2022
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When workaholic Boston attorney Deirdra de Messiéres is passed over for a well-deserved promotion, she takes a two-month hiatus to show her boss just how much he needs her and heads home to Silver Island. But beyond seeing her sisters happy, home is not where Deirdra’s heart is. She has no interest in their family restaurant, the Bistro, or reliving hurtful childhood memories, and absolutely no interest in spending a single second with Josiah “Jagger” Jones, the Bistro’s too-laid-back musician and chef. Sure, the hippie is hot, but he drives her nuts. The guy lives in a van with his dog, and he can’t even commit to a solid work schedule. To make matters worse, he’s always around. She needs to get off the island, stat.

Jagger has overcome his own personal trials to place stock in life’s pleasures: family, friends, peace…and if he has his way, one positively beautiful, absolutely uptight attorney. Jagger knows he’s the perfect person to help Deirdra deal with her hurtful past and find her way back to being happy.

A chance encounter leads to deep conversation, and night after liberating night, Deirdra lets down her guard. But neither has plans to stay on Silver Island. Free-spirited Jagger has wanderlust, and Deirdra has a career to return to. They’re on different paths, and plans for a future together don’t stand a chance. But when has anything gone according to plan?

OMG, they are too adorable for words! I always love a Melissa Foster couple, but every once in awhile there’s a magical one that tweaks my heart a little harder than normal and Deirdra and Jagger were one of those. Humorous and snarky chemistry, steamy hot passion and such a sweet, gentle love story that kept me devouring every single minute.

Deirdra is a tad different than your typical Foster heroine in that she’s not exactly sweet and open to love. She’s compartmentalized and on the cold side until you get to know the wounded little girl still living in her psyche. It was a joy getting to know her and watching her thrive.

Jagger is the sweetest, and even though he’s not the typical alpha hunk we see in a Foster novel, he carried himself as strong, capable and loving just the same and I adored him.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a smoking hot romance equally balanced with fun and laughter in a friend and family centric setting.

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* Review * BLACK TIE BACHELOR BID by Karen Booth

April 24, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BLACK TIE BACHELOR BID by Karen Booth

Black Tie Bachelor Bid by Karen Booth
Series: Little Black Book of Secrets #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 26, 2022
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I paid quite a lot for time with you

and I intend to get my money’s worth.

Romance is not on socialite Taylor Klein’s mind when she wins a night with super-sexy Roman Scott in a charity bachelor auction. Buying a date is the only way to meet the famously reclusive hotelier—and pick his brain on how to launch her dream boutique hotel. Besides, Taylor’s done with romance. But sticking to business gets tough when their sparks explode into passion. And even tougher when the notorious gossip account Little Black Book threatens to expose all their steamy secrets…

Temptation and scandal come knocking! The second book in the Little Black Book of Secrets series kicks off with a bang when two branches of the rich and famous collide and sparks ignite! I highly enjoyed Taylor and Roman, but wanted more development into family, pasts, their future, etc. for the story to feel more complete and rounded. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series.

Taylor is spoiled and entitled, but she’s a sweetheart and hard not to like.

Roman is successful and secretive and peeling away all of his layers was very satisfying.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves a whole lot of drama mixed into their romance.

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* Review * STAKING A CLAIM by Janice Maynard

April 24, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * STAKING A CLAIM by Janice Maynard

Staking a Claim by Janice Maynard
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 26, 2022
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It’s a Lone Star matchmaking twin swap!

As a favor to his identical twin, Joshua Banks agrees to pose as his brother. The switch is supposed to last for just one “date” with Layla Grandin, their childhood friend. But dinner soon leads to much, much more. Trust is everything to Layla—she’s been burned before and secrets are destroying her ranching family. If Joshua stands any chance of staking a claim on relationship-wary Layla, the Texan has to confess so much more than his true identity. And risk losing more than he ever imagined…

Intriguing kickoff to a brand new Texas Cattleman’s Club spin-off! The first in the Ranchers and Rivals series is easy to sink your teeth into from the start. Various families and their members are introduced and is a tad overwhelming, but the groundwork is lain for the scandal that is about to rock this town. I’m looking forward to watching how the series plays out for sure.

Joshua is newly back in Royal and drama already seems to be attaching itself to him when his twin gets him mixed up in a touchy situation right off the bat.

Layla is a fun character and I enjoyed watching her relationship with Josh grow.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the Texas Cattleman’s Club saga as each branch of mystery takes us on a journey of power, scandal and lust.

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* Review * LOST AND FOUND HEIR by Joss Wood

April 24, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LOST AND FOUND HEIR by Joss Wood

Lost and Found Heir by Joss Wood
Series: Dynasties: DNA Dilemma #3
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 26, 2022
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He’s inherited a family and a fortune.

The last thing he wants is complicated.

Until he meets her…

Venture capitalist Garrett Kaye has received the offer of a lifetime—become the CEO of a billion-dollar company…but only if he acknowledges he’s heir to his recently discovered birth family. To keep his mind off his choices, he lets his attraction to smart, headstrong mixologist Jules Carson sweep him away. But will “no strings” turn into the ties that bind as he faces the impossible choice between his birthright and his future?

Love when they least expect it! The third book in the Dynasties: DNA Dilemma series is spilling secrets and fueling flames and I loved every minute of it. The drama is high, the sexual chemistry is explosive and the feel good romance is spot on. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

Garrett is accomplished and satisfied in life, but drama seems to be knocking on his door when the family he didn’t exactly know he had steps into the picture.

Jules is fresh and fun and I really enjoyed seeing her let her guard down and prosper in her relationship with Garrett.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves family drama and high end scandal mixed into their romance.

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