Book Reviews – Page 7

* Review * FROM HERE TO ETERNITY by A.L. Jackson

October 4, 2025 Leave a Comment

From Here to Eternity by A. L. Jackson
Series: Moonlit Ridge #1
Published by A.L. Jackson Books Inc. on October 15, 2024
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I should have known everything was going to change when she walked into my tattoo shop...

Timid as hell and gorgeous to the extreme. I knew better than even thinking about touching a woman like that.

My life is dangerous.

My calling wicked.

Willing to cross any line to protect the innocent.

I thought I’d never see her again until my little boy tumbled and busted his lip, and I found her working at the doctor’s office.

The woman who’d taken possession of my thoughts.

When it becomes clear she’s in trouble, I offer up a deal.

Twenty questions to earn her trust.

Too bad trusting me is the last thing she should do.

With one kiss, I’m addicted. With one night, we’re falling into a passion greater than either of us has ever known.

The voices in my head warn I can never keep her. She can’t know the secret life I lead.

Only she’s keeping a secret, too.

And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if it means losing everything…

I was hooked on these two tormented souls from the very second their eyes met! Tattoo artist River Tayte had never reacted to a woman the way he did when Charleigh Lowe walked into his shop late one night. He knew his secrets were too big to act on his attraction to this skittish woman, but fate felt differently when it had them crossing paths again shortly after. Their attraction burns too hot to ignore, but he knows he can’t take her into the secret life that surrounds him … until her own secrets come knocking on the door and threaten to unravel everything for both of them. The characters are addictive and we slowly learn the things about both of them that are hidden and what uncovering them means for their future. There are a couple of really big twists that really rock the turn out and you do NOT want to miss what happens! Well developed plot and characters and a great brotherhood that this series revolves around. I loved every minute of their story!

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* Review * HER COLD HEART by Pamela Fagan Hutchins

October 4, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER COLD HEART by Pamela Fagan Hutchins

Her Cold Heart by Pamela Fagan Hutchins
Series: Detective Delaney Pace #6
Published by Bookouture on October 9, 2025
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As snow falls over the small town of Kearny, the body of a young woman lies on the frozen ground. Her unblinking eyes stare out across the mountain top, and a wave of crimson-red blood seeps into the white blanket where she rests.

When residents discover a body on the slopes of a popular ski resort, Detective Delaney Pace and Sheriff Leo Palmer are first to investigate. Delaney scans her surroundings, and among the panic-stricken crowd she spots a man fleeing through the trees.

Delaney and Leo race after the suspect, following the tracks he left in his wake. But when the pair are separated, Delaney makes a heart-stopping discovery: a make-shift graveyard at an abandoned lodge deep in the forest. Immediately she knows there are more victims—and Leo’s radio has gone dead…

With the sheriff missing and the risk of more lives being taken, Delaney works fast to capture the twisted killer. But her mission grinds to a halt when a ghost from her past sends her a chilling message: Do as I say, if you want to see Leo again.

Desperate to save the man she loves, Delaney faces the shocking realisation that this whole thing was planned. She knows who’s responsible—and how dangerous they are. If she follows the orders she could lose her life, but if she doesn’t, she could lose Leo. Will she catch the killer in time? Or will she pay the ultimate price?

Exhilarating and oh so twisty! We can always count on Detective Delaney Pace to put her heart into whatever case crosses her path, and this one carries even more of her heart than usual. Skeletons from her past end up crossing her path as she’s on the hunt for a killer, when Sheriff Leo disappears in a snow covered wilderness and she’s the only one who can find him in time.

There were several different cases merging together here as the bad guys intermingled and cases from the past also came back to haunt them. I enjoyed the case as a whole, but the back and forth timeline was really draining on trying to keep facts straight. I also felt a distance between Delaney and her home life more than usual, so I would have liked to have seen a little downtime with the girls either before it all kicked up or after they were back home to let things mellow a bit and show the softer sides more.

Overall a very interesting read with crumbs left behind to lead into the next book. I’m always looking forward to a return visit with Delaney and the gang!

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* Review * BURN by Chelle Bliss

October 4, 2025 Leave a Comment

Burn by Chelle Bliss
Series: Men of Inked: Heatwave #2
Published by Bliss Ink LLC on December 10, 2019
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Love. Loyalty. Family.

Pike Moore never had an easy life. Between his criminal father and heartless mother, Pike didn’t think he’d ever know love until he met Gigi Gallo. But when Pike’s father tracks him down and brings trouble with him, Pike will do anything to keep his woman safe.

Gigi Gallo had always been taught the importance of loyalty, love, and family. And when she falls head over heels for Pike Moore, a hottie biker with a troubled past, everything she learned will be put to the test. But when you love a Gallo, you never fight alone.

After his family secrets are revealed, Pike must figure out how to leave the past behind him and allow himself to be truly happy, finding his happily ever after.

Explosive and addictive! Gigi Gallo and Pike’s story continue with the second book in Bliss’s Men of Inked: Heatwave series and you won’t want to miss a minute of this continuation from Book 1 Flame. I liked Gigi and Pike together from the very beginning and this book delves into Pike’s background and how he came to be who he is today. We get to see a softer side of him when his younger bro needs him. The characters were already fairly well developed in the first part of their story, and the second part just gives us more to go on in Pike’s background and helps build on their love for one another and her family’s acceptance of him. I enjoyed them a lot, but the ending was really abrupt. Enjoying the series a lot!

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* Review * SNOW KISSED by RaeAnne Thayne

October 2, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SNOW KISSED by RaeAnne Thayne

Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne
Series: Shelter Springs
Published by Canary Street Press on October 7, 2025
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'Tis the season for a little white lie…

Christmas has always been single mom Holly Goodwin Moore’s favorite time of year. The twinkly lights on the tree, the cookies in the oven, the snow on the ground. But she’s just not feeling it this year. The wedding in her ex’s family is almost here, her daughter, Lydia, is bursting at the seams to be a flower girl…and Holly couldn’t be dreading it more. She told a little white lie about having a new boyfriend as her plus-one, hoping to save face. She needs a date for the wedding…and she needs it now.

Ryan Caldwell wants to be free this holiday season. So even he isn’t sure how he landed in Shelter Springs, looking after his niece, Audrey, with his estranged father down the road. But when he meets Holly, she makes him want to belong for the very first time. So they make a deal: he’ll be her date if she’ll help him give Audrey a true Christmas to remember while her mom is away.

I was hooked immediately on this delightful holiday story! RaeAnne Thayne is known for heartfelt characters who exude warmth and sentimentality and when you throw in a holiday season, you’re in for a real treat. The main characters were well developed with emotional and dramatic back stories that carry into the storyline as he agrees to help her with an embarrassing moment surrounding her ex and she agrees to help him give his niece a holiday to remember while her mom is away getting well. Her daughter brings absolute delight to the story and her friendship with his niece is really adorable. I loved every minute of their story and walked away with a heart filled with love and a smile on my face. Highly recommend!

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* Review * FILTHY RICH TEMPTATION by Rachael Stewart

September 30, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FILTHY RICH TEMPTATION by Rachael Stewart

Filthy Rich Temptation by Rachael Stewart
Series: Filthy Rich Billionaires #1
Published by Boldwood Books on October 5, 2025
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Theo

Making my first billion? Easy. Surviving Sadie — and her three-year-old — moving in? Pure torture. She’s my best friend’s little sister, the one girl I should never touch. Especially after that reckless kiss seven years ago...the kiss that ruined everything.

Now she’s here, under my roof, in every corner of my thoughts. Vulnerable. Off-limits. And so beautiful it hurts. I promised myself I’d protect her, keep my distance. But every laugh, every accidental touch, makes it harder to remember why I ever said no.

Sadie

I ran to Theo for safety, but the moment I walked through his door, I knew I wasn’t just in danger from my ex—I was in danger of falling again. He thinks he’s protecting me, keeping his distance. But every smouldering look says otherwise.

And every night, I wonder: what if I kissed him again? He thinks he’s just helping. But he doesn’t see how he’s rewiring my heart—how my daughter already adores him. I’m supposed to be surviving, not falling. But I know what I want…him. His hands. His mouth. His body. Even if it’s the one thing he swore I couldn’t have…

A decadent dip into forbidden love! When his BFF Taylor asked Theo to take in her little sister for a few weeks, she didn’t intent for him to fall in love with her … but they are adorable together! Theo and Sadie have a sweet connection that turns emotional and passionate as they allow themselves to get to know each other for who they are today. Her precocious daughter is a loving addition to the mix. I felt like there were holes in the past of both characters that could have been developed more to give the reader a more complete picture of where they were each coming from, but I liked them together a lot and was satisfied with their happily ever after.

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* Review * THE UNKNOWN COLTON by Lisa Childs

September 30, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE UNKNOWN COLTON by Lisa Childs

The Unknown Colton by Lisa Childs
Series: The Coltons of Alaska #3
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on September 30, 2025
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Their love is on the line…

And so is her life.

Returning home after being gravely injured on an oil rig, Troy Amos fears Lakin Colton is pulling away from him. Despite being in love since they were kids, their long-distance relationship has taken a toll. Fed up with waiting, Lakin’s pursuing her dream of creating a boutique hotel…without him. But Troy must put aside their personal troubles, because someone is stalking Lakin—and neither of them know if it’s the stranger claiming to be her real father or the serial killer terrorizing their Alaskan town…

Emotional and attention grabbing! The third book in The Coltons of Alaska series was fast paced and satisfying. We met Lakin and heard about her and Troy’s relationship in a previous book in the series so they were already familiar if you’re reading along. I enjoyed getting to know them better and watching them figure out if their relationship was still what they each wanted considering they had been together since they were kids and times were different with the distance his remote work had placed on them. There’s a couple of mysteries mixed into the story as well as someone claiming to be her father comes to town and stirs up trouble at the same time that more victims are turning up in the town’s possible serial killer. I’m enjoying the series and recommend it to anyone who loves an Alaskan destination and scenery as a backdrop to explosive intrigue and romance with a close knit family tying it all together.

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* Review * KIDNAPPED FOR HER SECRET by Lela May Wight

September 26, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * KIDNAPPED FOR HER SECRET by Lela May Wight

Kidnapped for Her Secret by Lela May Wight
Published by Harlequin Presents on September 30, 2025
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Surrendering to the billionaire
Stolen for the consequence

The glamor and mystique of a masquerade art auction is more than heiress Aurora Arundel ever dreamed. Having lived under her late parents’ strict rules, she wants no more regrets. That includes letting dangerously guarded Sebastian Shard fulfill her every fantasy for the night…

Six months later, Sebastian discovers Aurora’s secret—she’s carrying his baby. To protect his heir, he knows he has no choice. He must keep Aurora at his remote Scottish Highland castle. But, if she’s to agree to stay, Aurora insists on the impossible. Sebastian—mind, body and soul.

I loved every minute of the mystery and passion that Lela May Wight delivers on! A mystery guest at a masquerade ball is the set up for two unlikely souls connecting in a segway into more than they ever bargained for. The characters each have strong back stories that bring the reader into the heart of why each has been alone in life and looking for even a miniscule connection on the night they meet. While there are holes in the past that could have been delved into slightly more to paint a more complete picture, I found myself enjoying them wholeheartedly and cheering behind the scenes for them to realize just what they were on the cusp on lucking into with their relationship. Aurora and Sebastian were a pleasure to get to know and to journey into the highlight of their lives with. Highly enjoyed!

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* Review * DISAPPEARANCE AT ANGEL’S LANDING by Nichole Severn

September 26, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DISAPPEARANCE AT ANGEL’S LANDING by Nichole Severn

Disappearance at Angel's Landing by Nichole Severn
Series: Red Rock Murders #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on September 30, 2025
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A hiker becomes a murder victim.
Now the rescuer becomes the hunter.

Finding missing hikers is part of park ranger Branch Thompson’s job. But this Zion National Park visitor didn't simply fall from Angel’s Landing. She was pushed…and stabbed. Assigned to investigate the crime, Branch reluctantly asks to partner with fellow ranger Lila Jordan. They may have been at odds the past four months, but he knows Lila deserves to flex her skills. And when their search turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse, Branch realizes how lucky he is to have Lila by his side.

Exhilarating danger from start to finish! The next book in Nichole Severn’s electrifying Red Rock Murders series with Harlequin Intrigue is attention grabbing and exciting. We had a glimpse of Lila “Ranger Barbie” in the first book in the series and now this book centers around her and Branch a fellow ranger as danger finds them and doesn’t want to let go. The intrigue in this book is spot on, but the overall outcome leaves some holes and their love felt too fast. I’m all for a quick connection and all that, but based on the danger and pulse point of action this story held, to say they were in love and making a go of a relationship after this case was a bit unbelievable. I also wanted more of a resolution about how her coworkers treat her too. Overall, a really entertaining read though and I look forward to more in the series.

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* Review * HEALING THE VETERAN by Ciara Knight

September 26, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HEALING THE VETERAN by Ciara Knight

Healing the Veteran by Ciara Knight
Series: K-9 Companions
Published by Love Inspired on September 30, 2025
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A K-9 in need
could help open his closed-off heart.

Haunted by a disastrous military mission, wounded veteran Ace Gatlin vows to live alone on his farm so he can never fail anyone again. However, this doesn’t discourage his determined neighbor, physiotherapist Jolene Pearl, who shows up at his door with a troubled K-9 desperate for a home. Jolene is sure the two injured warriors need each other, and soon, their joint efforts to rehabilitate sweet Bear chip away at the shrapnel lodged in Ace’s heart. But when a catastrophic tornado strikes Willow Oaks, more than just their budding relationship is put to the test. Can Jolene help Ace see himself as worthy of happily-ever-after?

Captivatingly emotional! The next book in the K-9 Companions series with Love Inspired is from Ciara Knight and revolves around a reclusive injured vet and a neighbor who doesn’t take being pushed away easily. I was hooked from the start and really enjoyed getting to know Ace and Jolene. He’s hiding away to punish himself for the things he thinks fell to him in the mission that left him missing more than just a leg. She’s a healing soul to all she meets and enjoys the connection she feels within this town. I was entertained throughout and especially loved the camaraderie that Bear helped bring into the plot. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a faith based sweet romance with lots of healing and broadening of horizons going on throughout.

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* Review * BECKETT by Josie Jade

September 26, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Warrior Security: Beckett by Josie Jade
Series: Warrior Security
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing - Protector Romance Circle on September 26, 2025
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Beckett Sinclair doesn't do complicated.

He trains K-9s at Pawsitive Connections, runs ops with Warrior Security, and keeps his PTSD under control. Until a dead friend’s little sister shows up.

Audra Cartland is jumpy. Exhausted. Sleeping in the equipment shed when she thinks no one's watching. Beckett knows that look—he's seen it in combat zones, in victims, in his own mirror.

Someone's hunting her.

She won't talk. Won't explain the fear in her eyes or why she flinches at shadows. But Beckett made a promise to her brother years ago in Afghanistan, and those debts don't die.

Beckett should walk away. He's got enough ghosts without taking on hers.

Instead, he arranges a job. A safe place to sleep. His protection.

When the hunter becomes bold enough to strike in his town, on his watch, Beckett stops playing defense. He's lost too many people already. Failed too many times.

Not Audra. Not this time.

Some battles choose you.

Attention grabbing drama and heartfelt goodness! The next book in the Warrior Security series from Josie Jade centers around Beckett who works day in and day out to keep his PTSD at bay while helping all he can with security and dog training around his hometown of Garnet Bend. When a new employee with lots of secrets and a hunted look in her eyes shows up, he senses something familiar about her. The characters each have a powerful backstory and more than their fair share of pain that they each carry on their shoulders. I enjoyed getting to know them and seeing their connection grow until they could each finally allow someone else into the darkness they’ve been suffering and set out to heal their wounds. The plot of this book was very powerful and really addictive. I loved every minute of their story and can’t wait for more to come in the series! Highly recommend to fans of former military heroes who make it their life’s mission to keep people secure.

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