Book Reviews – Page 85

* Review * DEADLY RIVER PURSUIT by Heather Woodhaven

February 21, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DEADLY RIVER PURSUIT by Heather Woodhaven

Deadly River Pursuit by Heather Woodhaven
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on March 1, 2021
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She knows she witnessed a murder…

But only one man believes her.

After rafting guide Nora Radley witnesses her staff member’s murder—and narrowly escapes being shot—the crime scene casts doubt on her story. With the evidence pointing to suicide, only her ex-fiancé, Ranger Henry McKnight, is on her side. Ten years ago, an eerily similar unsolved crime tore her engagement to Henry apart. But this case might just cost them their lives.

Non-stop intrigue! DEADLY RIVER PURSUIT by Heather Woodhaven grabs a reader’s attention from the first page and doesn’t let up. Danger is lurking around every corner and suspicion is high about everybody. There was a lot going on in this book, and it did sway your concentration here and there because of the multiple plot points, but overall it was a highly intense story that played out well.

Nora was believable from the very start and had me pulling for her throughout. She’s hard working and courageous enough to stick to her ground even when others are doubting her.

Henry was supportive, but easily swayed at times. I appreciated his loyalty to his friends and mentor but wanted him to step up for Nora a little more than he did at first.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a highly intense intrigue mixed with touches of romance and faith.

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* Review * CRAVING A REAL TEXAN by Charlene Sands

February 21, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CRAVING A REAL TEXAN by Charlene Sands

Craving a Real Texan by Charlene Sands
Series: The Texas Tremaines #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on March 1, 2021
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For this personal chef,

things are about to get extremely personal…

Chef Harper Dawn flees to Texas in disguise after a reality dating show disaster. Hiding out at a luxury cabin means posing as personal chef to sexy-as-sin CEO Cade Tremaine. Cade should be off-limits—he doesn’t know who she really is. But they have serious sparks. Can Harper cook up a recipe for Texas-sized second chances…or will her secret stand in the way?

A scintillating delve into a new series! With the first book in The Texas Tremaines series Charlene Sands introduces us to the CEO of Tremaine Corporation and his family as he gets a second chance at love in a sister’s best friend storyline. I’m looking forward to getting to know more of this family!

Cade is attention grabbing from the start. He’s high-powered and hard working, but seeing the softer side of him when he reminisces about the past brings him down to earth in an approachable way.

Harper is a sweetheart. She’s gone about life in a bit of a crazy way but her intentions were pure and she only wants to find that special someone that will make her life complete.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a hint of drama with close friends and family to fall back on as romance simmers.

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* Review * ONE NIGHT WITH THE REBEL by Kendall Ryan

February 21, 2021 Leave a Comment

One Night with the Rebel by Kendall Ryan
Series: Looking to Score #.5
on January 25, 2021
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A brand new, FREE series starter from New York Times bestseller, Kendall Ryan.

She barged into my life and turned everything upside down.

We spent one scorching-hot night together, and then she disappeared into the sunset with the golden jock everyone adored. Which makes sense, right? A girl as beautiful and brilliant as Eden Wynn doesn’t end up with a rebel like me.

I expected them to live happily ever after, except that's not what happened.

She's back—and tempting me like no one else has. And while I'm certain I'll only tarnish her shine, I want her. Only her.

I'd heard the old notion that one night held the power to change everything. I just never believed it.

Until now.

I’m hooked! With a short but satisfying prequel to her upcoming Looking To Score series, Kendal Ryan grabs our attention quickly with ONE NIGHT WITH THE REBEL. The set up promises to be full of angst and the characters are going to bring all the feels, I can just tell it already. I can’t wait for the continuation!

Eden Wynn is gearing up to take the world of professional hockey by storm, but she’s got a couple of distractions standing in the way … her former long-term boyfriend and the man she spent one electrifying night with in college who just might end up being the one that got away!

I recommend this short prequel to anyone who wants to get the background of this series under their belt before the first full length book releases.

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* Review * SECRET BILLIONAIRE ON HER DOORSTEP by Michelle Douglas

February 19, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SECRET BILLIONAIRE ON HER DOORSTEP by Michelle Douglas

Secret Billionaire on Her Doorstep by Michelle Douglas
Published by Harlequin Romance on March 1, 2021
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A shocking inheritance…

An emotional journey…

After a heartbreak in Sydney, Callie’s ready to start afresh in New York! But staying in an apartment she inherited from a grandmother she never knew leads to many unsolved family questions. Luckily, her intriguingly handsome new neighbor, Owen Perry, has agreed to help. Callie’s not ready to start dating…so why are the sparks of attraction igniting between her and Owen? Especially as there’s so much he’s not telling her!

An emotionally riveting journey of forgiveness! Michelle Douglas shines in SECRET BILLIONAIRE ON HER DOORSTEP as Callie sets out to get to know the family member leaving her a vast inheritance and falling for her neighbor and friend along the way. The story is fast paced with many ups and downs and I found myself unable to put it down until I found out how it was going to end.

Callie is strong-willed and tenacious. She’s happy for the distraction of an inheritance to get her out of Sydney for awhile and sets out to enjoy New York while learning more about the woman who left her a fortune.

Owen is loyal and kind and seeing how much he wanted Callie to see Frances through his eyes was all I need to know what a good heart he had.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet connection between two unlikely souls as they travel through memories to reconcile a loved ones life and regrets.

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* Review * AT THE RANCHER’S PLEASURE by Joss Wood

February 19, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * AT THE RANCHER’S PLEASURE by Joss Wood

At the Rancher's Pleasure by Joss Wood
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on March 1, 2021
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He bailed on a wedding to the wrong woman,

only to fall right into temptation’s next trap

Runaway groom Brett Harston has long been the subject of town gossip—and so has Sarabeth Edmonds, who’s returned to Royal after leaving her hateful ex-husband. Soon an innocent kiss to rile the rumor mill unleashes a red-hot attraction they can’t resist. Will the wealthy rancher fall hard—or will she be the one to run this time?

Temptation at it’s best! Joss Wood is known for her delectable heroes and runaway groom Brett is another one to add to her list of winners in AT THE RANCHER’S PLEASURE. I loved the double whammy of his baggage mixing with Sarabeth’s in such a consuming way in their seemingly effortless relationship that the age difference between them was barely even notable. Loved them and can’t wait for more in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Heir Apparent series!

Sarabeth was very much a flawed character who had to be redeemed in the reader’s eye for her past unreliability with her adult children. Ms. Wood paved the way for forgiveness by having her admit to fault in her own right before sharing the roadblocks she faced. I found her easy to like, and rooted for her from the start.

Brett is just pure yumminess. He gets let off fairly easily for his flaws because we aren’t faced with the jilted bride’s feelings directly in front of us, but watching him interact with Sarabeth and start to fall for her makes him easy to enjoy.

I highly recommend this book as well as the series as a whole to anyone who loves a good bit of drama and baggage with their romance. It’s always fun to unravel the past and forge through to the happily ever after in a Desire!

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* Review * OUR LITTLE SECRET by Rachael Stewart

February 19, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * OUR LITTLE SECRET by Rachael Stewart

Our Little Secret by Rachael Stewart
Published by Harlequin Dare on March 1, 2021
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Tomorrow is the beginning of my best friend’s luxe Tuscan wedding week, and I plan on being The Perfect Maid of Honor. But tonight, there’s a gorgeous pool under the Tuscan moon calling my name. And I’m not the only one tempted by a decadent late-night skinny-dip!

He might as well be my sex-starved fantasy come to life. A delectable Italian god with a sculpted body that makes my mouth water with the anticipation of seconds, thirds and dessert.

Only it’s not quite that easy.

My hot Italian dish is none other than Rafael Perez. My best friend’s completely, utterly and absolutely off-limits older brother. But now it’s too late. The match is lit, and there’s a hungry fire burning in the depths of Rafael Perez’s dark gaze. For me.

Every secret sexy escapade we have is off-the-charts hot. But the most dangerous secrets aren’t the ones you hide from your friends and family.

They’re the ones with a reputation for swiftly stealing your heart…and breaking it.

A decadently forbidden romance! OUR LITTLE SECRET by Rachael Stewart is sure to please with a fast paced storyline filled with friendship, family and so much steamy goodness. I adored the characters and their story as a whole and could not put it down once I started!

Faye could have used a little bit more development on her life outside of her friendship with Dani, but she came across as self-assured and successful fairly easily.

Rafael wore his heart on his sleeve when it came to his love for his little sister, so it wasn’t surprising the lengths he went to in order for her to have a dream wedding. I loved the side of him that Faye brought to life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a spicy hookup at the most inopportune of moments that leads to a gorgeous happily ever after.

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* Review * TEXAS TARGET STANDOFF by Virginia Vaughan

February 19, 2021 Leave a Comment

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* Review * TEXAS TARGET STANDOFF by Virginia Vaughan

Texas Target Standoff by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Cowboy Lawmen #3
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on March 1, 2021
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A sniper lurks closer…

and only a navy SEAL can save her.

When psychologist Shelby Warren suddenly becomes a sniper’s target, navy SEAL Paul Avery springs into action to protect her. He needs her evaluation to get back to his team…and rescuing her might finally give him the redemption he’s been searching for. But when danger follows them to his family’s Texas ranch, keeping Shelby safe could be his most difficult assignment yet.

A high octane race against time! With the third book in her Cowboy Lawmen series Virginia Vaughan takes us for a wild ride when a PTSD psychologist must go on the run to avoid attempts on her life. TEXAS TARGET STANDOFF brings the on leave Navy SEAL Avery brother to the forefront when he steps in to protect Shelby. I was quickly hooked and kept entertained throughout!

Shelby is steadfast and determined to help as many service men as possible to overcome the effects of their service to our country. She’s loyal and by the book and understands the peril of slipping through the cracks all too well.

Paul is dedicated and aching to get back to his team after an injury. He needs Shelby’s okay to return to work, but when a sniper comes for her, he’s more concerned with keeping her alive than anything else.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys an intense intrigue with kindhearted characters, strong faith and sweet happily ever afters.

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* Review * THE SECRET NETWORK by Marie Ferrarella

February 18, 2021 Leave a Comment

The Secret Network by Marie Ferrarella
Series: Colton 911: Chicago #1
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on January 1, 2021
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A child brought them together

And led them into a brutal world…

Social worker January Colton agrees to partner with Detective Sean Stafford—but only on her terms. She’ll help him catch a killer, but only if he can protect the little girl in her care. Once she realizes that Sean is just as committed to keeping the child safe, their connection slowly develops into something fiery…and dangerous. But with a deadly network determined to finish off this “family unit,” Sean will have to do whatever it takes to keep them safe.

An explosive kick off to a new Colton series is sure to please all romantic suspense fans! THE SECRET NETWORK by Marie Ferrarella delivers top notch danger, compelling characters and so much adorableness when a possible pint-sized witness snags everyone’s heart. Colton 911: Chicago promises to be breathtaking with the way the ending of this first book in the series played out!

Social worker January Colton is take charge and attention grabbing when she makes sure to stand up for her little charge quickly.

Detective Sean Stafford has quite the backstory to go along with his broody heart of gold and I liked him from the start.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of a feel good story mixed in with their intrigue and suspense. There’s a bit of a cliffhanger at the end that promises to deliver an emotional rest of the series.

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* Review * DON’T TELL by Karen Rose

February 18, 2021 Leave a Comment

Don't Tell by Karen Rose
Series: Chicago Series #1
Published by Grand Central Publishing on July 1, 2003
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After faking her own death, a mother on the run from her abusive husband is desperate to start a new life -- but as a new romance blossoms, he threatens to track her down . . .

It was a desperate plan. But Mary Grace Winters knew the only way to save herself and her child from her abusive cop husband was to stage their own death. Now all that remains of their former life is at the bottom of a lake. Armed with a new identity in a new town, she and her son have found refuge hundreds of miles away. As Caroline Stewart, she has almost forgotten the nightmare she left behind nine years ago. She is even taking a chance on love with Max Hunter, a man with wounds of his own. But her past is about to collide with the present when her husband uncovers her trail and threatens her hard-won peace. Step by step, he's closing in on her -- and everything and everyone she loves.

Intense characterization will have you hooked quickly! When an abusive husband discovers his wife faked her death years ago to escape with his son, how far will he go to get them back? The set up is dramatic and keeps the reader on their toes throughout the book, but side characters and developing relationships also give a softer side to the story. I loved every minute of DON’T TELL and plan to continue catching up on the Chicago Series!

Caroline portrays the strong person she is today and it’s almost difficult to perceive her as the victim she fought so hard to leave behind. Enjoying her relationship with her best friend, her son and the growing romance with Max was heartwarming and comforting.

Tom grows up before our eyes as he has to come face to face with the nightmare that he hoped was gone forever, but the strength he puts forth is inspiring.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a twisted bad guy, but still a solid storyline of goodness rounding out the edges.

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* Review * THE FIANCE by Stefanie London

February 18, 2021 Leave a Comment

The Fiancé by Stefanie London
Series: Close Quarters #4
Published by Harlequin Dare on January 1, 2021
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I may be a barely employed, soon-to-be-homeless teacher/waitress, but that doesn’t mean I’ll marry any creep my mum brings around. Some guys like short and curvy! And I haven’t given up on the dream—the love of a man who makes me hotter than a Melbourne summer night.

Getting caught in a supply closet with CEO Daniel Moretti is the cherry on top of my day from hell…until the heat in his dark eyes makes me want to rip off my spaghetti-sauce-stained catering uniform. Daniel can’t risk more salacious rumors, so he proposes a deal—I agree to be his fake fiancée and he’ll help me get back on my feet.

Moving in to Daniel’s luxurious loft puts us in close quarters. And it’s not long before we’re saying yes all night long! But Daniel wants nothing to do with passionate love, and I won’t settle for anything less. Could a fake engagement lead to true love…or am I only fooling myself?

Intense emotions and steaming hot chemistry had me from the start! Book four in Stefanie London’s Close Quarters series was quick to snag my attention with unexpected family drama for the hero and humorous byplay with the heroine. This series has been a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to more to come!

Daniel was easy to sympathize with and a pleasure to get to know as he let his softer side show with Ava.

Ava was a delight. She hasn’t had things go her way all that much recently, but she keeps her sense of humor and doesn’t let the world get her down.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves a steamy romance with lots of heart and a close knit group of friends who interfere, support and love hard.

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