* Review * THE TRUE COWBOY OF SUNSET RIDGE by Maisey Yates

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TRUE COWBOY OF SUNSET RIDGE by Maisey YatesThe True Cowboy of Sunset Ridge by Maisey Yates
Series: Gold Valley #14
Published by HQN Books on December 28, 2021
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four-half-stars

When a bull-riding champion is left holding his friend’s baby, could it be time to put down roots in Gold Valley?

Midwife Mallory Chance is ready for a fresh start in Gold Valley. And when she locks eyes with a handsome cowboy across the saloon, it feels like fate. After too many years wasted on her cheating ex, good girl Mallory is read to cut loose and prioritize herself. But when the dust settles on their hot night together, it turns out that her mysterious one-night cowboy is none other than her new landlord—and someone she’ll be seeing very regularly around Gold Valley.

Bull rider Colt Daniels has a wild reputation, but after losing his friend on the rodeo circuit, he's left it all behind. If only he could walk away from his guilt as easily…or the temptation of Mallory. He can’t offer her the future she deserves—what does a cowboy with a heart as damaged as his know about forever? Then his friend's tiny daughter ends up in Colt's care. Colt has never wanted to rely on anyone, but he needs Mallory's help taking care of the baby he's beginning to love as his own. But is it all still temporary, or is it their chance at a forever family?

 

Fast-paced, heartwarming and delightful! With the next foray into her Gold Valley series Maisey Yates brings her reader Colt Daniels’ story in THE TRUE COWBOY OF SUNSET RIDGE and this wounded cowboy is sure to steal hearts. The opening scene had me hooked instantly and the emotional connection that followed kept me turning page after page. I really enjoyed Mallory and Colt and liked getting the final “sibling” on his way to his happily ever after.

Colt came across as disconnected from the family in the previous books, so watching him return home and be part of the inner circle again was really rewarding to watch.

Mallory has an emotional back story so watch her come into her own and finally believe in what she deserves in life is powerful.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a good cowboy, especially one that knows when to latch onto the good woman that crosses his path.

four-half-stars

* Review * FAST FORWARD by Kat Mizera

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FAST FORWARD by Kat MizeraFast Forward by Kat Mizera
Series: ROCK HARD #4
on December 28, 2021
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five-stars

One night can change everything.

Musician Ford Malone left Texas, without so much as a backward glance—lured by the bright lights of L.A. and the all-consuming world of rock and roll. It’s taken a while, but his star is finally starting to shine. Ready to take the world by storm with his new band, Nobody’s Fool, nothing will stand in his way. Until he sees her again... the girl he left behind.

Since the death of her parents, Sydney Aiken has had no time for romance. Her entire life now revolves around being a full-time mom to her three much-younger siblings. And even if she were interested, the last person on earth she’d get involved with would be the jerk who broke her heart and walked away seven years ago.

A chance encounter brings them face to face and as the past and present collide, Sydney is caught between protecting her family and following her heart. Seven years is a long time, and Ford has no idea he’s about to untangle a web of ugly secrets. But the only woman he’s ever loved is about to slip through his fingers...for the second time. Will he realize that only she can play the melody of his heart?

 

Sexy, sensual and raw! I never would have thought that a tamed down version of Ford Malone would be appealing, but that man is an absolute doll! With the final book in the Rock Hard series Kat Mizera reunites Ford with the one he left behind and we’re quickly delving into the tangled web of secrets and lies that tore he and Sydney apart. The characters are endearing, the situation is drama-filled but sensitive and the family connection is top notch. I loved every minute of this series and wish there were more band members to come!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a player rocker who falls hard when the love of his life crosses his path.

five-stars

* Review * FROM FLORIDA FLING TO FOREVER by Susan Carlisle

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FROM FLORIDA FLING TO FOREVER by Susan CarlisleFrom Florida Fling to Forever by Susan Carlisle
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on December 28, 2021
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four-half-stars

Rule number one? Forget their fling

If only it was that easy!

Pioneering transplant surgeon Lily Evans is always cool under pressure. So why does the idea of working with ex-fling Max James have her so hot under the collar? Max is just passing through Florida, after all, and maintaining a professional relationship is top of their agenda. Yet Lily’s sensible head is being overruled by her unusually reckless heart as she begins to fall for more than just Max’s roguish charms…

 

Colleagues turn into much more in the latest from Susan Carlisle! FROM FLORIDA FLING TO FOREVER delivers a punch of warmth as chemistry leads to happily ever after for two surgeons. The added addition of her sister to the story added a sweet depth to an already satisfying connection and only made me love them together more. I would have liked a little more development of his family outside of the business realm, but overall a very satisfying read.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a medical setting in your romance with lots of chemistry, warmth and connection.

four-half-stars

* Review * THEIR NEW YEAR’S BEGINNING by Michelle Major

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THEIR NEW YEAR’S BEGINNING by Michelle MajorTheir New Year's Beginning by Michelle Major
Series: The Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift #1
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on December 28, 2021
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five-stars

At the stroke of midnight,

A stranger’s kiss changes everything…

Brian Fortune doesn’t think he will ever find the woman he kissed at his brother's New Year's wedding. So when the search for the provenance of a mysterious gift leads him into a local antique store a few days later, he's stunned to find Emmaline Lewis, proprietor—and mystery kisser! Surprise turns to shock when he realizes that she's also six months pregnant. Brian has never been the type to commit—and he’s really not ready to become a family man in one fell swoop! But suddenly he knows he’ll do anything to stay at Emmaline's side—for good…

 

A delightful meet-cute sets the stage for the newest Fortunes of Texas spinoff! Michelle Major delivers an intriguing mystery along with a heartwarming love story with the first book in the Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift series, THEIR NEW YEAR’S BEGINNING. I loved the characters and their fast paced love story hooked me quickly. The added addition of some adorable kiddos in the picture was a smile worthy perk. I look forward to more to come in this series as a stellar mystery has been set.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a touch of mystery with enjoyable chemistry as another member of the Fortune family finds their happily ever after.

five-stars

* Review * THE RULES OF THEIR RED-HOT REUNION by Joss Wood

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE RULES OF THEIR RED-HOT REUNION by Joss WoodThe Rules of Their Red-Hot Reunion by Joss Wood
Series: Harlequin Presents
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five-stars

Rule #1: their chemistry stays in the past
Rule #2: until they get to the bedroom!

When Aisha married Pasco Kildare, she was naively following her heart. But Pasco’s single-minded ambition led to them living separate lives. Thrust back in the South African billionaire’s world—as his business partner!—she’ll rewrite the terms of their relationship.

Now wildly successful, Pasco knows his workaholic ways caused irreparable damage. But Aisha has changed, too: her new strength shines. Keeping things professional is only sensible, but when their reunion takes a scorching turn, ripping up Aisha’s rule book is dangerously tempting…

 

A steamy reconnection with an ex! THE RULES OF THEIR RED-HOT REUNION by Joss Wood was quick to hook me as Aisha is surprised into an unwanted reunion with her ex-husband just as a promotion is looming in the job she loves so much. The characters are intriguing and the chemistry between them is still flaring bright.

Aisha is self-assured and accomplished in her career, but a blast from the past threatens to derail her when she is forced to work with the ex-husband she walked out on a decade ago.

Pasco is highly successful but is quick to realize the mistakes he made in their former relationship and wish he had a way to put the pieces back together.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a reconnection of former spouses with an emphasis on addressing what went wrong and figuring out together how to fix it.

five-stars

* Review * RETURN OF THE RANCHER by Janice Maynard

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RETURN OF THE RANCHER by Janice MaynardReturn of the Rancher by Janice Maynard
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 28, 2021
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four-half-stars

He let her go once.

Will his secrets tear them apart again?

Five years ago, ranching entrepreneur Farris Quinn let India Lamont walk away from their marriage. Now he needs her help caring for his ailing mother. India agrees to come to Wyoming—but only for his mother’s sake. For Farris, living under the same roof as India in the home they once shared is tempting torture, and it’s only a matter of time before she’s back in his bed. But he’s guarded his secrets for so long…will he break both their hearts a second time?

 

An emotional reunion story! RETURN OF THE RANCHER by Janice Maynard begins dramatically when India agrees to do a favor for her ex-husband which puts them under the same roof again after years apart. The tension is high, the characters are attention grabbing and the underlying reunion is heartwarming. I wanted a tad bit more at the end, but overall a really enjoyable read.

India is kind, accomplished and endearing. She steps in to help her ex because it involves his mother whom she loves. I was happy to see her get the ending she deserved.

Farris was a bit cold and obtuse, but as the story unfolded we understood him a bit better.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys seeing a couple overcome the adversity that split them up to remember the love they felt for each other and develop a stronger relationship going forward.

four-half-stars

* Review * WATCHING OVER YOU by Lori Foster

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WATCHING OVER YOU by Lori FosterWatching Over You by Lori Foster
Series: The McKenzies of Ridge Trail #3
Published by HQN Books on December 28, 2021
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five-stars

While investigating a criminal network, Detective Crosby Albertson keeps crossing paths with members of the highly trained, suspiciously well-informed McKenzie family. They’re always one step ahead of him—especially their alarmingly attractive intel specialist, Madison. And Crosby needs to find out why.

Madison McKenzie is the tech and surveillance whiz of her family’s operation. A recent case introduced her to Detective Albertson. She finds herself irresistibly drawn to the sexy and mysterious cop. There’s just one problem. He’s a detective and her family’s work is secret. When Crosby starts digging for information about the McKenzies, Madison’s got to get him off the scent…while keeping him at a safe distance.

 

I simply adore this family! Lori Foster might just have saved the best for last when it comes to this highly addictive series of McKenzie family crime fighters when Madison meets her match with the cop she’s had her eye on. This series has been full of suspense and intrigue throughout and the amazing connection between the siblings and their mates while righting wrongs in the world is so satisfying. Filled with heart, sass and amazing love stories!

Madison is such a delight. She’s tough and  doesn’t take any lip off of anybody, but then she also loves with her whole heart and I just love that combination in her.

Crosby was so much more than I ever expected from our glimpses of him in the previous books. He too has an emotional back story and it added so much heartwarming depth to this book. Loved him!

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit family trying to fight the injustice of the world one step at a time as each one finds their forever love. I’m sad to see the series end, but I loved every single minute of it!

five-stars

* Review * ANNIHILATION ROAD by Christine Feehan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ANNIHILATION ROAD by Christine FeehanAnnihilation Road by Christine Feehan
Series: Torpedo Ink #6
Published by Berkley on December 28, 2021
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four-half-stars

Savin “Savage” Pajari is convinced he’s not worth a damn thing. He’s not like his brothers. He’s a sadistic monster, a killer—a man no woman could truly love. So it completely throws him when a stranger risks her life for his, pushing him out of the way and taking the hit that would have sent him six feet under. If he had any kind of sense, he’d leave her alone, but Savage can’t get the woman with a smart mouth and no sense of self-preservation out of his head. With one kiss, he’s lost.

Seychelle Dubois has spent her entire life not feeling much of anything, until Savage comes along and sets her whole body on fire. Kissing him was a mistake. Letting him get close would be a catastrophe. He’s the most beautiful—and damaged—man she’s ever met. He has a way of getting under her skin, and what he’s offering is too tempting to resist.

Seychelle knows so little about Savage or the dangerous world of Torpedo Ink, but his darkness draws her like a moth to a flame. Loving him could mean losing herself completely to his needs—needs she doesn’t understand but is eager to learn. But what Savage teaches her could destroy her.

 

A wickedly raw addition to Christine Feehan’s Torpedo Ink series! ANNIHILATION ROAD brings us the long awaited story of Savage, the most damaged member of the family and it was just as emotional and heartbreaking as I was expecting. I feel like this book is best understood if you have read the previous books in the series because a lot of build up of the tortured life they led as children takes place along the way through various character’s stories. The family and club interaction was a tad light in this particular book, but Seychelle’s storyline added an additional depth. Overall an enjoyable read with lots of triggers and moments some won’t understand, but written in an emotional, strong voice that shows why he needs what he needs.

Savage has been festering in the background of every book prior in the series so I went into this knowing he was going to be the most haunted and scarred from the get go. I never expected his past to be filled with such loving sacrifice that he gives day in and day out to his family. He’s ending up to be one of my favorite characters even if he does have thought defying hang ups that make him distant.

Seychelle is a complex character. She too sacrifices herself for the good of others which is commendable, but she comes across as a bit too much like a head buried in the sand damsel in distress for my liking.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who likes a dark, tortured MC who is a solid family behind the scenes but lead tainted lives of emotional torture from their past.

four-half-stars

* Review * WORTH THE RISK by Anna J. Stewart

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WORTH THE RISK by Anna J. StewartWorth the Risk by Anna J. Stewart
Series: Butterfly Harbor Stories #11
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on December 28, 2021
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five-stars

She’s playing it safe…

He’s anything but!

Famous race car driver Declan Cartwright is only in Butterfly Harbor to recuperate from a devastating crash. But when food truck operator Alethea Costas literally falls into his arms, he realizes the sleepy seaside town has more to offer than he imagined. Alethea is drawn to the charming daredevil despite her cautious nature. Can he show her that taking a chance on life—and love—is worth the risk?

Stewart dazzles as her fictional small town Butterfly Harbor wraps a notch tighter around each reader’s heart! WORTH THE RISK is Anna J. Stewart’s eleventh book in the series and delivers a heartwarming tale of overcoming trauma to move forward in a bright future. The characters were instantly attracted to each other and took the reader on a journey of love, redemption and compromise as hearts surrendered and bright futures shone bright. I adore this series!

Alethea Costas is a sweetheart who is loved by all and is picking up the pieces of her shattered heart by settling into this cozy small town near her brother and his family. She isn’t looking for love, but when Declan crosses her path, he’s hard to resist.

Declan is yummy! He’s accomplished yet down to earth, and though we look at him and think his dreams are crazy, he’s steadfast in wanting to accomplish one last thing to make his heart complete before setting off on a new adventure.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town whose characters are endearing and quirky with hearts of gold and romance to last a lifetime.

five-stars

* Review * CODE NAME: DISAVOWED by Sawyer Bennett

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CODE NAME: DISAVOWED by Sawyer BennettCode Name: Disavowed by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Jameson Force Security #8
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on December 14, 2021
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five-stars

Life works in mysterious ways. Jameson Force Security has just received notice of a disavowed CIA agent in need of rescue in Central America. My blood runs cold when I learn that agent is none other than Greer Hathaway—my former fiancée.

Having gone our separate ways more than a decade ago, I still have bitter feelings toward Greer and the demise of our relationship. Those feelings don’t change the fact that I loved her more than anything, so I’m on the next flight out to embark on a rescue mission. Besides, Greer once saved my life, so now it’s time to return the favor and put her firmly in my past.

Face-to-face for the first time since ending our engagement, Greer and I are left with not only anger, unanswered questions and regrets, but also the undeniable chemistry we apparently still have. Will the promise of a new future together be enough, or will the same obstacles tear us apart again?

 

High intensity action! Book eight in Sawyer Bennett’s Jameson Force Security series brings us Ladd’s story in CODE NAME: DISAVOWED. I was hooked from start to finish and loved seeing this action packed reunion unravel and heat up. Great series with a whole lot of heart and adventure filled relationships.

Ladd McDermott is serious and a bit secretive, but easy to like once he jumps in feet first to head up a rescue of the one that got away.

Greer Hathaway is easy to like though she broke Ladd’s heart because we can instantly see the ache she still holds in her heart from her mistake.

I highly recommend this book as well as the series to anyone who enjoys lots of action filled intrigue and a heartfelt romance taking place amidst a group of co-workers who become family to each other.

five-stars