Customer Comments

I went into this book expecting one thing and getting something entirely different. As an end of the world story, I should have been prepared for anything, but I never imagined creatures called “Whistlers”. The fact that this is told from three wildly different points of view added to the drama and expectation. I was scrambling to connect the dots before the author revealed all but I never came close. With dark twists and turns that blew me away, I found myself totally enthralled with this story.

This is my first Harlequin in several years. As soon as I saw "Cinderella", I knew I had to jump in. I'm so glad I did! Alexandra and Grant had a painful history. Their conflict was not easily overcome and the past haunted them as they tried to move forward. However, they could each see changes in the other that helped them to take a chance on a new relationship. I loved that about them. The angst was relatively heavy without being painfully so. The steam was not consuming but their chemistry was obvious which made the angst all the more angsty. I loved that Alexandra and Grant's positions had switched, building a foundation for the story that I really enjoyed.

Oh my gosh! This book hit all my marks and it did so in a delicious manner! Calan was the biggest, toughest highlander laird with a heart of gold. I melted everytime he displayed all his soft and gooey tender care with Allissaid. He was protective and gentle and his concern over what she was offered to eat was too freaking cute. I enjoyed the bit of mistaken gender identity that Calan experienced. It’s definitely a favorite trope of mine as long as it doesn’t continue for long and this one did not. I actually wouldn’t have minded a little more of it. The same with the amnesia trope. I was pulled in within a few turns of the page and soon I couldn’t stop. This had the perfect amount of danger and drama laced throughout with humor that had me grinning. The chemistry between Allissaid and Calan was displayed in a believable and heat inducing manner. With secondary characters that added to my overall enjoyment of this book, I’m highly recommending this one to anyone who enjoys a highlander romance.

I was first introduced to this character in the Widow’s Island series and I was instantly taken with her. Bree’s background is troubled and she’s a complicated heroine that’s tough as nails but with a heart that’s learning how to expand and open itself up to so much more. I went into this book thinking it was going to be a shorter story such as the ones previously. I was thrilled to find out that this was a much deeper story with a strong mystery and a variety of characters that may or may not be the “bad guy”. This was a fast paced read that never slowed down. The romance skirts just at the edges of everything else that is happening and I love those snippets so much. Bree’s family has wormed its way into my heart and the mystery kept me guessing. I appreciated that once the author revealed who the villain was, the story didn’t quickly wrap up. There was so much more going on and I was on the edge of my seat through it all.

All the Dangerous Things was a twisted, dark and memorable journey! Isabelle is a complicated character. I never knew whether I could completely trust her. I wanted to trust her, but with a “problem” that shadows not only her past but apparently her present now as well, I was apprehensive. As a matter of fact, there wasn’t a moment in this book that I wasn’t apprehensive about something or someone. I was on tenterhooks from the beginning. I never knew what was going to happen, who was going to change the landscape of the story, or when a twist was coming. Villains lurked around every corner and I loved that I couldn’t figure out how it was all going to end.

Audiobook: Narrator Karissa Vacker Ms. Vacker did an amazing job of not only bringing Isabelle to life, but also making me feel the depth of emotions she experienced. Her performance pulled me into the story within moments and I was immediately caught up in the dark web that was Isabelle’s life. It was impossible to hit pause on this book, as I was desperate to learn what had happened not only to Mason, but what had happened in the past to Isabelle and her family. This was filled with twists and turns that I never saw coming. The narration was smooth and performed in a way that never distracted me from the story but kept me glued to it.

All the Dangerous Things was a twisted, dark and memorable journey! Isabelle is a complicated character. I never knew whether I could completely trust her. I wanted to trust her, but with a “problem” that shadows not only her past but apparently her present now as well, I was apprehensive. As a matter of fact, there wasn’t a moment in this book that I wasn’t apprehensive about something or someone. I was on tenterhooks from the beginning. I never knew what was going to happen, who was going to change the landscape of the story, or when a twist was coming. Villains lurked around every corner and I loved that I couldn’t figure out how it was all going to end.

So glad I read this!! Initially, I had a hard time getting into this story. The vocabulary and cultural differences were difficult for me to understand and follow. However, I googled my way through when I could and pushed on until…wow! I am so glad I did. This was a story that had every emotion imaginable. I was laughing one moment then deeply saddened the next. This is a dark story that is laced with enough light to make it all the more endearing with characters that will last in my memory. I am so glad I took a chance on this new author.

It has been a long time since I’ve read a book with an alpha hero like Rhodes. He is EVERYTHING I look for and love. His protectiveness over Stella was extreme but well warranted. His jealousy over the thought of another male looking at her had me smiling widely as this is the stuff I dream about finding in the books I read. The fact that he was a dragon shifter…pure heaven. Stella was petite and dainty but with a determination that could not be swayed. It didn’t take her long to learn how to handle the obstinate male that was shadowing her. She definitely gave Rhodes a bit of a ride before he found any peace. This is filled with all kinds of danger and drama. With plenty of action laced throughout the story as well as some amazing scenes with some of my favorite characters, I was instantly swept up into this story. Before I realized it, I was at the end long before I was ready. I loved everything about this couple and this world. This author will never be able to write too many dragon shifter romances for me. Definitely my favorite!

There isn’t another current heroine that I love as much as Sunshine! With each book, I feel like I’m spending time with an old friend and I dread the end as it comes closer with each turn of the page. Sunny continues to amaze me with her deductive reasoning, her people skills, and most of all, her offbeat wit and sense of humor. I love the way she deals with both victims and perpetrators. Especially the band of hooligans she arrests this time around. My face hurt from grinning so much. We get a lot of quality time with Levi in this book and even more of him with Sunny. I would love to have some of his perspective so I could connect to him on a deeper level. However, there are a lot of reveals in this book and that went a long way to helping me get to know him better. Along with all the laugh out loud moments, this is also laced with danger and drama including scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. When you add in the whole cast of characters, each with their own passions or quirky natures, it makes for a well rounded mystery that will definitely be a reread in the future.

Yasmin’s past has created a need for her to “act the part”. She’s living up to her reputation and in the process has attracted the attention of the Earl of Liliford. But he can do nothing except allow himself the first waltz. I was intrigued by this heroine and what her actions would be as she healed from the heartache she was dealt when she was younger. But I was disappointed that the storyline did not allow her to adjust as the era would dictate. However, removing myself from that thought process, I have to admit that I respect the fact that she wanted to remain true to who she was even if it was a result of pain from her past. Giles was promising as I love a hero who denies himself what he wants and yet cannot stop himself from just a tiny taste of it. Allowing himself the first waltz and nothing more was pure torture the more he watched Yasmin and slowly came to know her. I did enjoy watching him fall but when things heated up with his sister, I admit I was disappointed in his lack of actions. While I had a few issues with the characters, overall, I enjoyed them well enough. I liked their banter and the chemistry between them was obvious. The author gives us just a touch of history in Yasmin’s background but I struggled when so many of these character’s actions and behaviors were not in line with the time period. Overall, a nice enough read.

Holy heck! Rebecca Zanetti is killing it (literally) with this series! Laurel is one of the most unique heroines I’ve ever read and she captivated me just as much this time around as she did in the first book. Her abilities are otherworldly and her personality is one that intrigues me. I love characters portrayed as she is. While I’m all about the hero, I have to confess that Huck doesn’t really win it with me. He seems a bit lackluster and less fiery than the heroes I’m accustomed to reading by this author. Of course, Ms. Zanetti has built a high bar for herself with previous heroes that have become some of my top favorites ever. This storyline is one that refused to let me skim it. I was in a place where I needed to be able to read and move on and this book was not it. It forced me to pay attention to the details, to the clues, and to the characters. I love when a romantic suspense demands my attention in this way. It’s a sure sign that the writing is pure excellence. This can be read as a standalone but I encourage you to read the first book. Also, beware…while this story concludes, it also leaves us with a honking hook for the next book.

The D’Angelos are my new favorite family! Chloe has had a crush on Dante since she learned that boys weren’t gross. Her infatuation with him made this story all the cuter as she’s determined to prove she is not attracted to him. Of course, we all know how that works out. I’m a huge fan of the drunken Vegas wedding trope and Chloe and Dante did theirs in a way that was highly unusual after the fact. I loved both of these characters. They were fun and flirty although a bit insecure about where they stood with each other. Chloe more so than Dante. This had some of the usual bumps that are found in this trope, so nothing surprising here but the way they went about it and the influence their friends and family had on the outcome was what drove this story. This isn’t overtly steamy but rather a gentle slide into a forever love. Can’t wait to get the next D’Angelo…Gio?

Garrett’s story was AMAZING! It was everything I’d been waiting for and more. I never expected all the crazy twists and turns that popped up making me gasp and dig deeper into the book. Dessie was nothing as I expected. And I loved that. I loved HER! She was such an intriguing heroine. With her personal struggle at the heart of her character, I couldn’t help but try to figure out what was going to happen prior to it happening. I was wrong every…single…time. Which intrigued me more. Garrett was every bit as alpha as his father before him, which is why I am a huge fan of this series. (And I hate reading a series!) His frustration at the situation he found himself in with Dessie had me smiling one moment and then worried sick the next. I truly didn’t know what was going to happen to these characters. This is definitely one of the most intense books of the series. The angst, the drama, the danger. It carried me through until almost the very last page. I highly recommend this book and while it could possibly stand alone, I really feel that you need to read the previous books.

There is nothing better than reading a Macomber to enter in the holidays and The Christmas Spirit is the very best of them all. This is not a lengthy book and yet it tells the story of two men and their adventure of stepping into the other man’s shoes prior to the Christmas holiday. I loved the way this was set up with the Grandmother giving the children a story. Their reactions, cheers and jeers were fun and had me smiling. Each of the heroes had an interesting way of going about doing their new job as well as building a new or renewed relationship with the heroines. I was totally in love with Hank and Pete and giggled myself silly through some of their misadventures. Through it all, there was the sweetest feeling of unity, love and charity that was soothing to my own soul. The romance is sweet and fast, the characters entertaining and the book worth reading just to get to the most perfect feel good ending ever!

I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be the type of romance that I could just sit back, relax and let the story unfold. Anneliese had some serious recovering to do, not only because of the death of her fiancee but because of the lies that were revealed afterwards. I was expecting her to have felt cracks in her relationship with him prior to his death and the fact that she did not made it hard for me to accept her relationship with Lachlan. She was an interesting heroine with an unusual career and the type of personality I connected with. Lachlan was pretty laid back, despite his background and his intentions towards the house. His reasons were kept secret through most of the book and I completely understood them once they were revealed. I loved his meeting and following visit with Anneliese’s father. While Anneliese and Lachlan both had issues to deal with, the angst level never felt heavy until the end when they faced their greatest struggle. This was a slow burn and even when things ignited between them we had just a peek before the door was closed. The epilogue was great and I was very pleased with the way this couple’s story came to an end.

This was filled with relationship angst that had me on the edge most of the book. While I’m not a fan of secrets between the hero and heroine, the fact that it was obvious how this couple felt about each other helped to ease the way for me. Nick and Faith were FIRE together! Their chemistry was off the charts and the suspense that ran throughout the story made this an intense read on every level. Their inner thoughts did take precedence at times when I was ready for things to move on. I loved the inclusion of the Inside Out characters. Seeing my favorites was a real treat, especially when their presence added to the storyline rather than taking it over. Overall, a great read and an excellent addition to the Inside Out world.

I absolutely LOVED this story!!! Emmeline and Will had a partnership rather than a marriage and yet with the temporary addition of George and Rose to the household they began to see each other in a whole new light. I began to fall in love with each of them even as their eyes opened up to the uniqueness that they saw in each other. I couldn’t help but cheer them on along the way. The children were definitely “the darlings” of the story. They pretty much stole every scene they were in. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the antics and reactions to the world around them. However, there were times when things were not humorous and my heart hurt for them, especially George as his understanding of the world was much more jaded than Rose’s. I was surprised how things turned out as I never saw it happening in quite that way. While the romance element does not consume the storyline and the heat level is non-existent, I never missed the steam nor the fact that this story is not about this couple alone. I was enthralled from the beginning and could not stop reading it once I started.

This was intense!! It starts out with so much angst and pain. My heart was aching for Bailey and the loss she was dealing with. I loved how Kash was right beside her, giving her what she needed and ensuring that the rest of the family was doing the same when the situation merited it. I love him even more for his responses! What followed took me completely by surprise. I was not expecting much of what happened and I could not look away. Soon I was so caught up in it all that I was turning the pages as quickly as possible. This is filled with twists and turns and more punch than I ever expected! What a great read in every way!

This was pure magic laced with dark intrigue and twists and turns that had my head spinning. Alice was definitely not the type of heroine I’m used to reading, and I was both worried and excited by that. She kept me guessing from the very beginning and I was anxious to learn all her deep, dark, secrets. I was soon caught up in her spell along with Saint. She was fierce, determined, and certainly not the type of heroine that is waiting to be rescued. While Alice was not the typical heroine, Saint was the perfect counterpoint to her. He was everything that I love, protective and possessive and he was determined to find the truth about her and make her pay the price. I loved the transition that took place with both of these characters. The chemistry between Saint and Alice was white-hot and their story thrilled me, keeping me turning pages, anxious and guessing, until the very end which satisfied my romance loving heart. This is romantic suspense at its best and the reason I read it!

Wow! Where have I been? This is my first by this author and I am left astounded by how incredibly EVERYTHING this was! I absolutely loved how this was written from Edgar's point of view only. It just does something for me when an author does this. Let's say it starts with chills and only grows from there. I immediately connected with E and found myself experiencing all that he was going through as he struggled with seeing Delilah for the first time in ten years. What follows shows what an amazing hero he was. While Delilah is holding onto a secret, E is determined to win her heart again. She definitely made him work for it and I enjoyed every moment of it. Watching him work down a list of what to do was fun and cute. This had my emotions responding from tears to laughter and all within short periods of time. I fell completely in love with not just Edgar and Delilah, but E’s brothers as well. The premise of this story and E’s background was unique and fits perfectly for the readers that aren't a fan of second chances. I couldn’t ask for a better way to split and reunite a couple. Overall, a great read and just my first by this author as I intend to dig into her backlist.

I love a mystery within a mystery and All Dressed Up had my mind spinning a time or two. The feel I found while diving into the story of a murder in an old manor home set during the roaring twenties had me anxious and excited. Becca and her husband, Blake, are going through a difficult time in their marriage and this mystery weekend is Blake’s surprise to his wife in an effort to mend the breach between them. As the story unfolds, I found myself side eyeing every character that was introduced. I love twisted suspense filled mysteries and hoped this one was going to deliver it all. While it could have gone in a direction that would have made this all the more mind shattering, I still enjoyed the story. My suspect ended up being the villain which is how I measure the quality of the mystery. Keep me from guessing who it is while laying everything out in front of me and I’m a complete goner. Unfortunately, that did not happen but I liked the atmosphere the author created as she shined a light on all the sins of the guest at this murder mystery party.

With each new book in this series, that hero is my favorite. I wasn’t sure if Christopher was going to make the cut, but holy heck…he totally won me over and wormed his way into my heart. I will not be forgetting him for a long while. When this couple faced a major conflict, I sobbed at the result. I worried that the end was going to be contrived to make things work or that the author would force Hayden into a position that went against who she was at heart. Not so. Along the way to their happy ever after, I found myself crying even more as Christopher took a step that I had been hoping for all along but was unsure of the outcome. While I had plenty of tears in the last part of the book, I had so many laugh out loud moments leading up to it. Literally laugh out loud as in a burst of laughter that I couldn’t contain. So glad I was alone when that happened. This is a lengthy book and it was difficult to set aside. I found myself thinking about it during those times and anxious to get back into the story. It’s filled with secondary characters that were fun and brought their own humor to the page. That included his family, particularly his brothers as well as Hayden’s father who I loved as he got to know Christopher. These are the types of characters that I’d love to see again in a novella that updates us on this couple’s relationship. I absolutely LOVED this book and I didn’t even touch on what were some of the steamiest scenes I’ve read in a while.

Wow, what a smart, twisty thriller this was!!! This started out at an average pace, slowly building the story, setting the background for Nicole and Dan while showing what she was currently dealing with. As the story progresses, I slowly begin to see fissures in her life, some due to her own personality and others due to the circumstances she’s living with. It was about half way through before things really began to pick up. I appreciated the fact that this author placed this story in a relevant time and with issues that are very real to our world today. I never really felt a deep connection to Nicole, although interestingly enough I did to Dan. I’m not sure how much the lack of connection affected my overall reaction to the story. I never disliked her or found myself judging her for her actions or reactions. Instead, I was just so darn curious to find out what this group was about, how it was going to affect her and where all the turns were going to take me in the end. This was not a fast paced thriller that’s like a roller coaster. Instead it was like walking through a maze that has little hints to show you the way and then a surprise when it was the wrong turn.This jumps back and forth from present time to the past but those time leaps were well noted so I had no confusion where I was in the story. The overall story had a feel unlike anything I’ve read before and I find myself continuing to soak it in.

This was a perfect summer read! I loved the way this pulled me into the deep emotional issue Zack faced deciding whether or not to continue life support in a situation he should have never been put in. While this is filled with lots of drama from the “villain” as well as another problem Zack was facing, for me it was truly about The Decision. So many variables at play in making that ultimate decision. I couldn’t help but put myself in his place and found myself going from one frame of mind to another. Despite his relationship with his ex, it would be a decision wrought with pretty much every emotion known to man. I loved watching Zack and Kate come together and fall in love despite the rocky path they were traveling. Zack had enough alpha in him to make my heart smile although I admit, I would have loved to have seen more. I’m used to heroines that are lawyers being a bit too tough and go get ‘em, but Kate was not. She was dedicated to her job and determined to do what needed to be done but did not trample on anyone along the way. This was fast paced and not really a mystery other than I never knew what the bad guy was going to do next. And what he did was quite a surprise. This was not the type of story to keep me on the edge of my seat although when I got to the “surprise by the villain” part, I was certainly doing so. However, it was a smooth read I found extremely enjoyable.

I’m used to this author’s stories revolving around mature couples who are past their prime for having children, and I enjoy them immensely. However, the accidental pregnancy is one of my favorite tropes . It was absolutely delicious when it involved Pippa and Sully. While they are still older, I loved watching them deal with the surprise and then the journey through pregnancy. The fact that that time is layered with danger and accusations made it all the more wonderful. Pippa was a tough as nails heroine but she had moments of softness that made me love her. Her process through the pregnancy had me loving her all the more as it’s a storyline I adore. Sully was amazing with all his delicious alphaness, especially when you add a forthcoming baby into the mix. Again adding to that storyline I can’t get enough of. Their initial conflict was believable and watching them come together was everything I love. This was filled with lots of drama as they work to solve a serious problem that Pippa is facing. There is a wealth of wonderful characters included, all making this not only a bit more dramatic at times, but fun as well. I loved seeing past characters and regardless of the fact I just finished this one, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next.

Wow! Just…wow!!! In the past, I’ve been concerned that I would dislike a book by Ms. Perry because of the trope or the blurb. And I’ve always been blown away by how much she could make me fall in love with something I never believed I would. Garnet Flats takes first place. I mean, really. The blurb just screamed at me to stay away and oh my gawd it was hard to crack it open. But by all that is holy in Romancelandia she won my heart again! This was filled with emotions, angst and sizzling heat. I couldn’t put it down!!! Talia and Foster were amazing separately and together. My heart hurt for both of them due to their past experience and how that was affecting their current actions and decisions. I found myself crying at one moment, yelling the next and turning my A/C down to handle the steam. With a great pace that never lagged or became repetitive, I read this straight through. Of course, there was no way I was closing it as I needed to see these characters’ broken souls healed. I loved every emotional churning moment here and yet this author did not make the angsty churn last longer than I could bear making this an incredible read.

Oh my gosh!!! Betty and Bennett totally stole my heart with their fun banter and their explosive chemistry! Betty was a bit of a grump, but only when it came to Bennett. I loved that she gave him such a hard time although it was all to cover up that flash of desire she felt each time she saw him. Ms. Cross developed Betty in such a way that she very well could be my coworker at school. I loved her attention to her students and the way she worked to not only make it fun, but that also took care of them if needed. I loved how Bennett seemed to push Betty’s buttons just to get a reaction out of her. Her grumpy responses made him smile while making me laugh. There was a bit of conflict for him that trickled a little through the last part of the story, but the angst was pretty low regarding it. I was completely in love with him as he found himself feeling jealous and possessive of Betty. It was the perfect mix without being over the top and, sigh, it was the icing on this delicious story. This has a community full of characters that were fun, sometimes annoying, hilarious, or wonderfully supportive and I found myself hoping to get more from them in the future. And that doesn’t include the four legged kind that added so much warmth and humor, not to say a personal revelation for one of our characters. Add in the intense heat between Betty and Bennett and I’m just ready for more of Beauville!

Holy heck!!! What a chilling story with twists and turns I never saw coming! This was scarily amazing with its mirror image of what we currently face in society. This had an explosive beginning that never slowed down. I couldn’t set this book aside even for a moment as I fell into a story that entrapped me with its dangerously parallel elements of what is happening in our world today. At each turn I found myself comparing it to situations that have already occurred and driven to find out what steps the main character was going to take next. While there were a few times I had to reread a passage in order to understand the technical jargon, overall, it is written in a way that I never felt lost. Logan’s relationship with his family, as well as his backstory, helped me to connect with him on a personal level in a way that had me viscerally reacting to his struggle. I found this to be a wild journey to a place that opened my eyes and yet did so in a way that didn’t whack me upside the head but simply pointed me at what had always been in front of me. Mr. Crouch revealed a problem I have recognized but have never been able to adequately define. Overall, an amazing read that I’ll definitely be rereading.

When I'm looking for a historical romance to satisfy my needs, this author always comes through for me. A Matter of Temptation checked all my boxes while adding a few new ones. Mina and Simon were wonderful! I loved their sharp, quick banter and the easy way their relationship developed without feeling contrived. The chemistry flowed between them and I fell in love with them both from the very beginning. This was a fast paced read that kept me engaged from the first page. Most of the story is relatively low angst but there is a point when the drama escalates and I couldn't imagine how this couple were going to end. I was more than satisfied with the ending, especially with the epilogue that was pure romance.

This is my first book by this author although she’s been on my “want to read” list for a long time. Initially, I wasn’t sure if it was going to work for me as the hero and heroine do not meet until after the first third of the book. The start was a bit slow in the romance department due to that but I still enjoyed what was happening with each of these characters leading up to that moment. I liked the bit of intrigue that surrounded Hawkes. It wasn’t as much a mystery as it was the method he was going about to even the score with his adversary. He was a strong hero that had an immediate reaction to Aurelie the moment he saw her. The steam wasn’t prevalent, but I could definitely feel the chemistry between this couple. There isn’t a lot of time with them together from the moment they met until the end but it was layered with drama and uncertainty as well as a host of humor from the residents at the Grand Palace on the Thames. Oh my gosh, I loved everyone there! They were perfect in every way and made the best of friends to Aurelie who felt so alone. Overall, I found this to be a great read and the writing to have that historical feel to it that is sometimes lacking these days.

Wow, this story really hit close to home. I found it to be heartachingly familiar to my own journey with my dad. Brooke’s unwavering patience in a situation that can cut like a blade was inspirational, causing me to look back at my own experience and compare the two. Unfortunately, Brooke was traveling her journey alone and my heart hurt for her because of that fact. Once Luca entered the picture, he helped to carry her emotional load as she was able to lay much of her concerns on him. And oh my, what an incredible hero to make himself available to her in those times. I adored pretty much everything about Luca but nothing as much as his loyalty and dedication to his family. This was a fast paced book that dealt with some hard issues on both Luca and Brooke’s side. They didn’t fly through it without a problem, but they dealt with it in a mature style that made me love them even more as a couple. Luca’s family was amazing, especially his daughter Fanny, and I’m hoping we get more from them in the future.

While I’m usually all about the hero, there is no denying that Maggie was just too much the type of person I’d call a good friend to not love everything about her. She really knew how to respond to Silas’ flirtatious banter in a way that had me grinning from ear to ear. With a unique career and a strong work ethic, I was totally entranced with her story from the very beginning. I immediately needed to know how everything was going to play out for her. Silas was amazing! He was stinkin’ cute with his quips and forthright attitude regarding what he wanted from Maggie. What might have been just lighthearted flirting, caught on fast, and he was soon sincerely wooing the woman of his dreams. He was straight up swoony with his actions to win her over. I absolutely loved this fun, lighthearted read with a storyline that pulled me in and characters that attached themselves to my heart. Silas’ family were hilarious adding to the quick, witty banter that fills this story. So too do a few other characters that added dimension to the story along with some moments that warmed my heart. This was a longer read but had a fast pace. The angst was low and while the chemistry between Maggie and Silas sizzles when given the leeway, it does not consume the storyline. Overall, I loved this cute, fun story and despite the perfect epilogue, I hope we get to see some of them and possibly the town, in the future.

Wow! What a twisted journey this was! I loved this con story more than I could ever imagine. The con within a con intrigued me and with each additional bit of information shared with the reader, I became more engrossed in the story of these two ladies. While Kat and Meg each had things that were undesirable for a heroine in a story, they were both some of the most interesting characters I’ve read in quite some time. I was sure that I would find myself harshly judging Meg, despite her early beginnings. There were definitely times that her actions merited that judgment. However, as her journey is slowly revealed and each layer of her past and the progression that brought her into the current time and place is exposed, I actually was cheering her on. And I didn’t have a clue how it was all going to end. Kat was a bit harder to connect with, which was surprising considering her place in the story. However, a twist here, another there, and I couldn’t wait to see what Kat’s end result was going to be. I have to confess, I had a lump in my throat as I read those last few lines. This has a slower pace to it, but was impossible to put down. Nothing is repetitive and while this isn’t filled with drama, danger, and lots of action, it was fraught with tension as these characters move through the inevitable actions they’ve either designed or hunted for. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy a mystery within a mystery and unique characters that you’ll never forget.

I’m always hungry for a good enemies-to-lovers story and The Dirty Truth satisfied my craving. Elle’s experiences were unique and created a heroine that had a different outlook on life which affected her current decisions. I loved her snarky responses to West as well as her kind and gentle manner with his niece. Her solid determination to have a relationship that fed her soul felt organic, considering her new outlook. I was surprised at West’s response to Elle’s official stand against him (which I LOVED by the way!), as this was the first time the author shows us he is more than what you see on the surface. And I loved that most of all. The more he interacted with his niece, and that entangled with Elle, led to me falling in love with him, hardcore. While this was lighthearted and fun, it also had some serious emotional moments that dealt with more than just Elle and West’s relationship. However, it never hit me over the head with it, which left this heavy subject story mildly angsty. This was what I consider a slow burn but I didn’t even realize it because I was so taken with the rest of the story.

I wasn’t expecting this story-in-a-story mystery and wasn’t sure if it was going to get confusing along the way. It did not. Instead, it pulled me in so fast, keeping me enthralled along the way. I literally could not put this book down. The characters were all intriguing and I didn’t have a clue who the killer was. Of course, at some point the author gives us enough to know where to look, but then the anticipation really began to mount as I waited to see how it was all going to play out. The resolution was satisfying and left me wanting more from this author.

Oh my gosh, Gemma and Jethro were everything I love in romance!!! Gemma’s story held me captive as it was slowly revealed. She was a strong heroine despite her fears and uncertainties. I loved that her love and determination to protect her daughter took precedence over everything else in her life. When her choices were between doing the smart thing or that thing that readers scream about, she held fast to her character and remained strong. Jethro was a unique hero with his accent and his special abilities. I adored him from the beginning. He was everything Gemma and Trudy needed and his interactions with the little girl were ovary exploding scenes that had me wishing for a Jethro of my own. He too had a background that was rising up to threaten him and what he was developing with Gemma and his protection of her and Trudy had me loving him all the more. The scorching chemistry between Gemma and Jethro was enough to singe the pages. This also had several moments of intense danger and drama. I was glued to the pages as one thing after another was revealed to this couple and they were left to deal with it. Of course, the Deep Ops characters were there to give backup and I gobbled each delicious bite of them as they supported this couple.

I’m so excited I finally got Gareth and Livvy’s story! I really enjoyed the antagonism between Livvy and Gareth. She was fighting him every step of the way and he was just biding his time. With a dark, mystique surrounding him, I couldn’t help but be pulled into his story. Waiting to learn his backstory was agony and once it was revealed, dear lord, no wonder there is a sense of darkness around him. Gareth was intense in his desire for Livvy. He wasn’t as forward in his “mine” mentality as Alpha was, but he had some serious mojo to back his emotions up. What they shared was not the stuff of fairy tales, it was emotional, deep, lusty, and forever. I loved what they had together. While there were still some fun moments between the sisters as well as their significant others, I personally felt this lacked the initial spark of humor that were found earlier in the previous books. This felt a bit darker. But then, Gareth is a Grim and once you get to know him, it’s obvious why there’s a heavier feel to this story.

I was intrigued by this “locked room” mystery and couldn’t wait to dig in. I formed my own opinion early on, as would anyone reading the book. However, there was so much more to the story before I learned if I was correct or not. This has a tremendous cast of characters and I have to admit, there were times when I felt bogged down by their introductions. For a while, it was one on top of the other and I couldn’t keep up and at times, didn’t want to keep up. Once I trudged through that issue, however, the story began to flow and I happily followed along. This had some great moments of humor along with some of the characters that were fun. There were also times that there was a bit of drama due to a past relationship between two characters that are deeply involved in solving the mystery. While there wasn’t a lot of action, there were plenty of interactions. Overall, a nice read that I really enjoyed.

This was high angst, deep emotion and intense steam. While I’m not a fan of stories that involve recovering from any type of substance abuse, I have to admit that this one was a little easier to read. The ugly, hard core, bottom of the barrel recovery had already been dealt with and Callie was currently dealing with how to live life as a recovering addict, which is even harder but for me, as stated, easier to read. I didn’t know if I was going to like either one of these characters, but before long, they had both shown traits that I could connect with. Danny ends up being everything I love in a hero and actually more due to his actions and reactions to a recovering Callie. He was definitely there to protect her, even when that meant allowing her to find her own way. This had a lot of the Haven family, along with plenty of drama and action surrounding Callie. The chemistry between Danny and her was steamy and I loved watching them both deal with it from its first stages to the point where they yielded. Overall, this was a beautiful story and I was so glad to have a chance to jump back into this world again.

This was a perfect “take me out of the real world” read! Diana was such a strong, independent, fun and at times a bit quirky, heroine. I loved that she was able to step away from society’s conventions even as she made a place for herself among the ton. Her engagements with Geoffrey were so much fun. Geoffrey was a big, burly, hero with a bit of grumpiness to round him out into the type of hero I adore. Especially when it’s apparent he is attracted to Diana. The moments when she was correcting him for his boorish ways, especially reading it from his point of view, were so cute. The chemistry between Geoffrey and Diana sizzled from the first moment they met and things between them continued to sizzle even as their relationship grew. The conflict felt real and added some angst but nothing too heavy. There were several scenes where this author showed her knowledge of what certain events and situations required. While this can sometimes bog the story down, that was not the case here. It was all included in a way that kept me intrigued and happily following along. I loved it all.

I absolutely love any story that includes a grumbly alpha hero that goes soft with a baby and Blake fits my craving for such a character to perfection. With a little jealousy in the beginning and a whole lot of protectiveness I fell faster than Everly. But then again, all she was seeing was the grumpy side of his nature as he struggled with his preconceived notions and incorrect assumptions. While I liked Everly, it was really Sampson that stole the story for me where she was concerned. This author never forgot that he was as much a part of the story as the hero and heroine, which is something that often happens when children are included. I could feel every tiny fist, hear every gurgling laugh, and remembered my own babies’ weight against my chest through Sampson’s character. This is a fast paced read with very low angst and high steam. While the storyline carries some conflict, I never felt anxious or antsy about how it was going to work out. I loved the secondary characters and the promise of more to come. Overall, this was a great read to just relax and enjoy the romantic process.

Wow! I was held completely captive with this installment in the series. It touched on everything I love about these characters as well as giving me some dynamic drama and danger. I didn’t want to look away from the page for even a moment! Whether it was this particular story, or having read the previous books in the series, it seemed that I got a really good feel for Matt’s character. I connected with him in a way I had not done so in earlier books. I loved his continued protective ways with Bree, even when they were just thoughts he would not allow himself to act on. I’ve been negligent in commenting on the way this author brings certain characters to life in a way that I feel as though I’m standing right there with them. Those particular characters are the dogs. I absolutely love the way they are projected from the pages. While they never steal the story, they add so much charm to it I can’t imagine these books without them. This was a fast paced, wild action ride with villains I never saw coming and a couple of storylines that ran me through a gauntlet of emotions.

Whew! This was one hot and fiery read!!! Totally nuclear!!! Marcus is the type of hero that I crave. He’s obsessed with Eve and has totally gone a bit stalkerish on her. However, he restrains his desires until life takes a drastic turn and Eve is in need of protection. Of course, that’s my jam because Marcus is all about protecting her. I was swooning from the depth of emotion he felt as their relationship develops and then moves on into something more concrete. With his broken background and an uncertain future, I was a complete goner for him. Eve was sweet, gentle, a bit innocent…in the beginning. Despite needing to be rescued, and not due to her own misjudgement, she grows stronger through each stage of their story. Watching her reach the final pinnacle of it all was amazing! I loved how far she had come and what she was capable of. This couple’s chemistry is like an inferno! They absolutely set the pages of my kindle on fire and I found myself dry mouthed during the steamy scenes. While their relationship develops, things are fraught with danger and high drama causing my nerves to frazzle as the storyline plays out. I was totally engaged with what was happening and how this couple were going to find their happily ever after. I loved everything about this, but the epilogue pushed me into pure joy.

This was a fast paced little mystery. The perfect type of read to just sit back and relax with. The drama is spread throughout with moments of anticipation as to who, what and why. Isla was likable and I could understand her fear of getting out and about after suffering such a traumatic incident. While I was riveted to this in the beginning, I did grow a bit tired of the flip flopping between Isla’s and Zach’s point of view, the jump in timelines, and the addition of the podcasts. Add in the brevity of chapters that became a bit tiresome after some a while and I was ready for a conclusion early in the second half of the book. However, all of that is based on my own likes and dislikes and nothing to do with the development of these characters or the storyline. There were a couple of small twists that I didn’t see coming and a few surprises when I expected something or someone and was wrong. Overall, a nice mystery.

I wasn’t expecting this to be such an action filled adventure, and I’m not complaining! There was something happening with every turn of the page. I didn’t want to set it down. The heroine had quite a unique ability but it could cut like a double edged sword and I did worry how it was all going to play out in the long run. The hero had that “I’m not good enough for her” syndrome which is not my favorite. However, I did understand his reasoning as they were from different backgrounds which mattered in this time and place. There was a lot of humor mixed in with the danger and drama which added to my enjoyment of the story. The little bits of sweet counterbalanced the heavy weight of the rest of the storyline. While there were moments of steam between this hero and heroine, it did not dominate the story. This was actually a very slow burn. Overall, a cute, fun, adventurous read!

I started this with the thought that I would read a few pages and then set it aside until I had more time. I never expected this book to hook me from the beginning making it impossible for me to set it aside. While this is written from Sarah’s and Holly’s point of view, it also jumps from present day to the past. These jumps are clearly defined and do not cause any confusion. They did, however, cause me to become anxious for the two timelines to meet. I needed to know what had happened in the past. Where did these women currently stand and how was this all going to end? This has some twists and turns, one I sort of suspected but was nonetheless thrilled with when it was revealed. For me, this was all about the tension that was present throughout the story. One character is super paranoid, which made me paranoid as well, while the other had a thread of darkness that surfaced off and on. The ending was nothing as I expected, giving me a huge twist! With an epilogue that wrapped everything up that might have still been in question, I finished this ready for more by this author.

I’ve really enjoyed every book in this series, but there is no denying that this one is my favorite. I was smiling and laughing through it all. The chemistry between Julian and Emily was pure magic. They just flowed together seamlessly. I loved their banter and even their arguments kept me clinging to every word. While this doesn’t have a lot of steam, there is no doubt that this couple are hot for each other. I’m used to books that have a heavier hand when it comes to smexy times, but this was written in such a way that I never missed the intense steam I’m accustomed to. To clarify, this is steamy, just not explicit. Both Julian and Emily have things from their past that prompt their current actions and reactions. Watching these characters grow to the point that their eyes were finally opened and they were able to consciously make changes was part of the joy I received from this story. This has a great pace to it, never lagging or repeating itself. The characters and their circumstances were believable as were the secondary characters that were just as entertaining as the hero and heroine. There isn’t a lot of drama here, this is more about character development and family ties, or lack thereof. Overall, I absolutely loved this book with my whole heart. Definitely one I could find myself rereading in the future and one that I happily recommend to those who enjoy a lighthearted historical romance .

Audiobook: Narrator - Gary Bennett Mr. Bennett did an exceptional job with this narration. His voice was clear, precise and easy to follow while also enjoyable. This had the feeling of listening to a podcast but so much better as I’m not a fan of podcasts. Not sure how much was this narrator and how much was the story, but I was pulled into this story immediately and was reluctant to pause it when needed. I dove into this audiobook and found myself ranting and raving at investigators (should they really be called that?) and eventually prosecutors and judges. I wanted to remain unbiased towards Pam Hupp, but it was impossible. This was such a huge miscarriage of justice and I found myself furious as this story continued to unfold. While this is co written by one of the defense lawyers, and I fought to remain skeptical regarding evidence, it was impossible to not see the errors, the total ignorance and the injustices that were let loose in this case. I was pulled into this every step of the way. This was totally addicting and a real struggle to stop when life demanded I do so. My mind refused to let it go until I was able to click that play button again. I was completely engulfed in this case due to the way it was written/narrated. I was able to follow along while keeping the clues, or lack thereof, straight in my mind as this lays it out in a style that made it easy to do so.

I was absolutely thrilled to learn about this new series and High Meadow was an incredible start to what promises to be an equally incredible series! I love the way this author develops her mature characters. Jonas and Alex absolutely sizzled together from their first encounter until the end. Their age was never a blockade to their emotions nor their physical reactions to one another. When trouble arose, they dealt with it in a manner that’s expected for a hero and heroine of their ages. There was no slowing down when their chemistry ignited and it checked another one of my boxes along with Alex’s independence and Jonas’ protective/possessive ways. This had a lot of action to keep the story moving with a mystery that had me anxious at times. It was wonderful to meet these secondary characters, some who I hope we’ll get more of. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the series gives us!

Audiobook: Narrators - Emma Galvin & Joe Arden Ms. Galvin is definitely the voice of Bailey and after listening to her in The Insiders as well as this one, I can’t imagine anyone else. While the hero does not have a lot of “voice” time, what he does have is excellently performed by Mr. Arden. Great delivery of Kash and his dominant, authoritative nature. This had the drama, angst, heat and sizzle that I found in book one but actually better because Bailey and Kash are fighting together towards the same goal. I loved watching them as they maneuvered each problem that arose. Not as individuals, but as a couple that were committed to each other. I wasn’t expecting them to be as solid as they were and it was a delicious treat to experience it. This ends in a whopping cliffhanger and some INTENSE angst dangling over the reader's head. I cannot wait to learn what happens!

Wow, what a pulse pounding read!! This is the story of three women dealing with different situations during a pandemic of violence. While the thought of violence being a pandemic was initially hard to believe, it didn’t take me long to connect it with the attitude and actions of many people in today’s society. The way this author used it as a spin for this story totally worked in my opinion. I really liked that this is about a grandmother, her daughter and her granddaughter. Watching each of these ladies handle things according to the way they were raised is what this book is really about. The effect of love, abuse, acceptance or the lack of any of those things had my emotions on a tightrope through most of this story. I found the growth within each of these women to be astounding, heartwarming and believable. This was so much more than what I was expecting and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it!

This was absolutely riveting! Told in three points of view, I was never sure exactly who the heroine of the story was ultimately going to be. This layers the characters throughout the story giving bits of who and what they are even as I was questioning every action and reaction. After all, I knew going in this was a psychological thriller so I was expecting to find twists. I never would have guessed what laid ahead. From one scene to the next I found myself being pulled further and further into the story. While I was not a particular fan of any of these characters, I desperately needed to know what the ultimate outcome was going to be. I felt as though I were hanging on the edge throughout the last twenty-five percent of the book and the ragged condition of my nails are proof of it. I read the blurb and ignored reviews that detailed the story. That decision added to my anticipation as well as helped my anxiety over the characters to ratchet up to near torturous levels. What a delicious, mind twisting read!

Whoa! This was one intense ride! From the first few pages Laurel captured my attention. She’s so unique compared to the average heroine. This is predominantly written from the heroine’s point of view. However, we did get Huck’s insights a few times. I’m curious to see exactly what all he’s been through. Despite Laurel being trained to protect herself, Huck tends to take steps to protect her. And well, considering what all she goes through, perhaps he has every reason to do so. I’m hoping we get much more of him. There is a constant ebb and flow of danger and suspense interlaced with the dark, heavy weight of secondary characters that kept me turning pages. I never knew which way to look. Where was the threat coming from and who was behind it? This was totally mind boggling. Along the way was the slow burn between Huck and Laurel making me antsy for more of them as I needed them to get to a safe place so they could have more. I literally read this book feeling as if I were sitting on pins and needles the whole time. While this does end without a huge cliffhanger, it leaves us with unanswered questions as well as unresolved issues regarding certain characters. I can’t wait to see what this author has planned in future books.

This book realistically showcases just a few of the injustices and inequalities of the 60’s. Through Ellie’s eyes I experienced just a fraction of the emotional and physical turmoil that had free reign during that time in the south. I was pulled into this story to such a degree that my heart raced, and my mind refused to stop thinking about it once I turned the last page. This is written in two time periods, each clearly defined. Within the early pages we are given the connection that Kayla and Ellie share. But it quickly becomes evident that there is something more lingering in the dark woods behind the house at the end of the street. I felt the heavy weight of the past as well as the fear of the present that consumed both of these characters. This author did an amazing job of bringing them to life, making me care and yet allowing me to form my own opinions prior to the end. With each turn of the page I never knew what I was going to find. Fear, abuse, life threatening prejudice or the sweet pull of new love. I was totally engrossed within the lives of both of these women. When the truth is unveiled at the end, I wasn’t shocked, but I still loved how it unfolded.

This book kept me on an emotional edge. I connected with Memphis to the point that I was in agony each time she faced a new challenge to her self confidence. She was carrying some pretty heavy weight on her shoulders and while Know was willing to help lift it, I was cheering her onward to do what her soul needed her to do. There were times when her story felt like cuts across my own soul. Oh my gosh, Knox was amazingly perfect in every way. The little bit of conflict in the beginning was like baiting a hook and I was taking it as fast as I could. When that conflict included his moments with Drake, holy heck, I was scrambling to figure it all out. While Knox wasn’t insanely alpha despite all his gooey hotness, the epilogue showed a side of him that had me jumping and yelling for joy, figuratively, of course. I love the type of alpha protectiveness portrayed in the style here. This had a steady build up that made me feel twitchy, constantly waiting for the so-called “other shoe” to drop. The anticipation almost killed me. This was definitely one of those books that is impossible to set down and walk away from and had me reading late into the night in order to finish it.

This was a wickedly fun, hot and angsty read! I absolutely LOVED the beginning of Ophelia’s and Devlin’s story. My heart was instantly captivated and once I hit the time jump, I experienced such a riot of emotions I couldn’t stop reading. Ophelia was a multi dimensional heroine and I adored everything about her. She was raised with a unique set of circumstances and I was anxious to learn all the ins and outs regarding it. There were definitely times that her actions hurt my heart, but I also understood the reasons behind them. Devlin was an alpha hero to the core. From the first moment he interacted with Fifi his main objective was protection. That one incident was the foundation for everything he did from that point onward and holy heck, that’s the stuff of true romance! This book ran me through a gamut of emotion. From laughter, danger, high angst and finally an ending that satisfied my soul. I feel like I’ve been tumbled upside down, right-side up and inside out and I’d gladly go through it all again for such a beautifully written story of love.

This series has been one fascinating read after another. While the romance has not always been high on the storyline, this time it’s very much intertwined with everything that’s going on. Andrew and Jax were wonderful together. Their relationship did not fuel the drama, but it developed organically along the way. I couldn’t stop reading and this book quickly catapulted into my top favorite of the series. I really liked how this mystery centered so much on Jax and her family as well as Richter. I didn’t have a clue who was doing what and where it was all going to end. Jax was an awesome heroine. While she was one tough individual, she also was fun, loyal, and dedicated. She didn’t appear to be hardened as much as others from Richter making her even more likeable to me. Andrew was deliciously swoony in his courtship of Jax. He had a great sense of humor and it felt as though he were bringing something into her life she had been missing for so long. He wasn’t hugely alpha in his behaviors, but when it got down to the nitty gritty, there was no denying he would do anything for her. This is definitely a pulse racing read with plenty of interaction with past characters and a nice little set up for future books in the series. I’m excited to see where it’s all going to go.

This was another wonderful addition to the series. Pepper was understandably protective of her heart as well as that of her daughter’s. I may not have lived through anything like she did in her marriage, but I totally empathize with her. She was fiercely protective of Juno and I loved the relationship they had. Although she had a hard shell for Auggie to break through, and this couple had a stumble or two, she wasn’t so hardcore she couldn’t yield when the cards were plainly saying it was time. Auggie was incredible! He had all the alpha goodness of a KA hero which is one of the reasons I love these books so much! Although he made a few errors in the beginning of their relationship, it didn’t take him long to correct his mistake and make amends. From that point onward he was pretty swoon worthy. When this couple finally came together, they were like an inferno. Watching them grow together and as a unit with Juno was precious. Juno was quite a handful and it was as entertaining as anything I’ve read to see her manipulate Auggie and her mom. The inclusion of a particular character to help assist with that endeavor was just as entertaining as the rest of the story. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves alpha heroes and sweet heroines with a little girl thrown in.

This was a fun immersion into all things Bridgerton and I loved every bit of it! While this does not have any new content, other than a bit from Lady Whistledown, it has so many moments of goodness that make up each book and thereby, the whole series. Each chapter covers a different character and within are quotes that paint a perfect picture of that character. From the deepest heartfelt moments, to those that had me laughing again as it reminded me of all the humor this series contains. This is definitely for those who have already read and loved the books. Any fan will enjoy this but the formatting for the printed book is exquisite and definitely something a hard core fan would love to have on their shelf. I’m totally in book envy at just the thought! But what really has me cheering for this book is the way it thrust me back into the joy that is the Bridgertons and thereby making me fall in love with them all over again.

What a beautifully written story of two people processing the loss of their marriage and what moving forward looks like. Layla was certainly the type of heroine that many will be able to relate to. The problems within her marriage were those that are shared among many others. Her journey to rise up and find out who she truly is, and what she wants, was filled with growing pains as she struggled with every step forward. I found her to be extremely likeable. The main bulk of this story consists of back-flashes that reveal the relationship Layla and Josh had with their spouses. It highlights all the good, the bad and the ugly before moving this couple into the here and now and their own build up into a new relationship. There isn’t a lot of time spent on this development but it was written in a way that it felt organic when they finally took a serious step forward. Definitely a book that’s light on romance and heavy on emotion.

What a heck of a kickstart to this series! Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop! Winslow and Griffin were everything hot and steamy, angsty and suspenseful! I didn’t want their story to end! Winslow was the type of heroine I enjoy. Griffin was such a steamy, dreamy hero in his boots and buckle with this slow, steady fall into love. Through all the romance was a mystery that had me hooked and desperate to figure out who and why. This had some serious moments of drama, danger and suspense. I swear, there were times it felt as though I were right in the middle of everything that was happening, I was so consumed by the action on the page. Absolutely brilliant! Along with an amazing epilogue and the link for a bonus epilogue, the ending gave us a delicious tease of an introduction for Knox and Memphis!

This was such a fun, feel good, set of novellas centered around the Stay A Spell series. This is filled with hot and spicy looks at my favorite couples. Seeing them in so many different situations was more entertainment than I anticipated. Everything that I loved about each of these characters was amplified and offered as my very own special Christmas gift from the author. More, Mateo? Merry Christmas to me! Getting to see Charlie and JJ get their happy ever after was awesome as was the prequel to Livvy’s story. I can’t wait to see what is in store for her and the Grim who thinks naughty things...and shares them with her. The icing on this delicious holiday treat was Violet and Nico’s story. Oh my gosh! My cheeks were sore from smiling and laughing. The fact that it all was wrapped up in something close to Mateo made it all the more hilarious. (Trying not to spoil the fun for you.)

This was an enjoyable read. While it’s all about the mystery, I was able to guess who it was rather early on. Of course, there was always the chance I would be wrong. I was not. However, the reasons behind the murders were quite shocking as were all the murders themselves. This was filled with details. Not only about the murders, but about the drugs, the process of hunting the killer and the battle to overcome adversity. The romance is really non-existent but I suspected it would be and therefore, did not go into this with any expectations in that department. When it did pop up out of nowhere, it actually annoyed me as there was nothing organic about it. I liked the hero, Spencer, quite a bit and would have loved to see him in the boyfriend role. Overall, I liked this story and would recommend it to anyone that does not have triggers and is not looking for romance.

This story absolutely sizzles with steam and intensity between Lily and Levi. They are awesome together, despite Lily fighting to remain independent in the face of lurking danger. She did make a few decisions that had me frustrated at times, but generally, I understood her reasoning. Levi was one fierce, protective, and possessive cowboy/undercover US Marshal. I loved his dedication to Lily as well as his determination to make her his while protecting her. This couple had one fiery relationship leading up to about the halfway point where the drama really kicked in full force. And when the storyline took an even grittier turn, things got intense. I loved watching them work through not only the danger but their issues. The secondary characters added so much more to this story as well as the promise of more to come.

This story absolutely sizzles with steam and intensity between Lily and Levi. They are awesome together, despite Lily fighting to remain independent in the face of lurking danger. She did make a few decisions that had me frustrated at times, but generally, I understood her reasoning. Levi was one fierce, protective, and possessive cowboy/undercover US Marshal. I loved his dedication to Lily as well as his determination to make her his while protecting her. This couple had one fiery relationship leading up to about the halfway point where the drama really kicked in full force. And when the storyline took an even grittier turn, things got intense. I loved watching them work through not only the danger but their issues. The secondary characters added so much more to this story as well as the promise of more to come.

When We Finally Kiss Good Night by Sabrina Jeffries: This was such a great novella. It included so much of the Christmas traditions that began during this time period or those that had not yet spread widely. Flora and Konrad were likeable characters that I found easy to connect with. Konrad especially won my heart. He had made decisions that cost him Flora’s heart and was at a loss how to win her back. Especially since he found himself in a position that was not favorable to making her his own forever. Despite the novella length, this felt full and well rounded. I enjoyed the secondary characters as well as the premise that brought them all together. With a bit of spice topping it off made this all the more easy to love. The Unexpected Gift by Madeline Hunter: This was a pleasant surprise with it’s touch of mystery running through it. It consisted of a story that was multi-layered and fully developed. Another full fledged novella as the previous one. I was a huge fan of Lucas and Jenna. Their chemistry was believable and there was an edge of anticipation as Lucas tried to find what he was looking for. That also carried with it the promise of angst that kept me on the edge. When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney: This was a nice little read. I enjoyed that the author added the charm of a small kitten to the mix. The hero and heroine were very likeable and their story entertaining.

After Maria serves on the jury during the trial of a serial killer, she finds it impossible to return to her normal life. Hounded by the press and public alike, she makes a decision that will have deadly consequences. I really enjoyed this story. The characters were relatable if not deeply developed and the plotline was engaging. Nothing too surprising here but the journey to get to the end had me turning the pages. I was especially intrigued by the killer and what motivated them. This had a great pace to it with action and drama keeping me on the edge of my seat. I was pleasantly surprised at the non-cliffhanger ending that could be followed up with more of this heroine.

I didn’t know what to expect when I went into this one. I was looking for something different and I certainly got that. After the first couple of chapters it felt as though I might have made a mistake but after giving it some more time, I was surprised and pleased by how much I ended up really enjoying this dark fantasy. This was very well written and rather than pulling me into a lot of world building, this gave me some amazing characters. That was the initial hook for me before quickly becoming the story-line itself. This required a plot that could support such multi-layered characters and as the end grew closer, I began to worry it would leave me wanting. It did not. Once more it gave me something more than I was expecting. While I didn’t love this one, it’s a story that will remain with me in the future rather than being dismissed as one of many.

What an absolute blast to read! I’ve never laughed out loud so much or so hard. Except when reading the other books in this series. This author excels at creating characters that are unique, engaging, and always quirky and weird in their own ways. While this is light on the romance, I never missed it as I was so entertained by all the antics this motley group gets into. Even so, it does center more on Finn and Mads and there are some steamy moments before the end giving a slow burn to this story. I highly recommend this one if you’re looking for something to pull you out of the doldrums or want a fun, action driven read.

We have Emmett’s story! Holy heck, it was amazing! Once I started this I could not stop! Emmett and Nova stole my heart with every turn of the page. Nova was such an original heroine. She’s got ties that place her into a category that had me on the edge of my seat for much of this book. Throughout most of the story I felt the angst level ratcheting up as the moment of truth grew closer and closer. It placed me into a nail biting bundle of torment. I was already halfway in love with Emmett, but once I learned his whole story, I couldn’t help but fall all the way. I loved how he was with Nova. Even when he wanted to be more than a casual hookup, he gave her the freedom to do what she was comfortable with. This couple’s chemistry was like experiencing an inferno up close. Mix that in with all the angsty turmoil their story revealed and I was an emotional mess. By the conclusion, I was crying, laughing, and then grinning like a lunatic. Gah! I adored seeing everyone from the series. I can’t think of a better way to spend a day off than a total immersion into the Tin Gypsies!

What a wonderfully fun and delicious read! Elliot and Kate have just become one of my all time favorite couples! Kate had a fiery attitude that kept Elliot on his toes. He never intimidated her and she was more than capable of holding her own against him in every way. She was just an average girl with nothing special to recommend her and her struggle with that caused me some serious moments of heartache when it played a part in their story. There’s nothing more I enjoy than a great boss/employee trope with a boss like Elliot Miles. He had quite the reputation which made it all the more enjoyable to watch him fall in love. And oh my, him and the various incidents that occurred at Enchanted had me laughing out loud so hard I startled my kittens. I absolutely loved the chemistry between this couple. Watching them each fall in love as their relationship evolved was not only hot, but cute and so much fun. Especially once Elliot really lets her see who he is at heart. This book totally consumed me. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking of Elliot and Kate and what wonderfully delightful things would happen next. Once I reached a certain point, I refused to close my Kindle until I reached the last page. There was then an exceptionally awesome moment that had me clutching it even tighter and then the most perfect epilogue. As soon as I finished I wanted to relive it all again.

A cowboy and a librarian. Sign me up please! I love both and when added together there is the promise of lots of fun. This book did not disappoint! I had so much fun watching Harriet turn Jensen’s life upside down. She was self-reliant and more than capable of standing up for herself. When a bit of insecurity did arise, I felt its pinch along with her and resented those that had inadvertently caused the pain. But I have to say that I loved seeing her through Jensen’s eyes. Swoon! Jensen was the fun loving, always smiling and good for a laugh, citizen in Cold River as well as his own family. Deep inside, however, he harbored a pain so intense, when revealed, it pretty much turned me into a sobbing mess. Harriet was exactly what he needed and while he might not have admitted it, it was fun watching him unknowingly accept it. This was not only fun to watch, with Harriet’s scowls and Jensen’s lazy grins, it was heartbreaking as well. I loved pretty much everything about this. It’s apparent it is not the first introduction to this family or town, but I was never really lost due to the short background that was usually shared when the characters from the previous book(s) were introduced. This was my first by this author but it won’t be the last!

This was such a cute, fun read! Perfect for the summer and an afternoon with some down time and the desire to dive into something that will allow you to escape into a sweet but steamy. Tara and Seth were both super cute. With a promise to not fall for each other, of course you know what’s going to happen. But I was fine with that. Sometimes the predictable is like coming home. It’s a comfort all on its own. Their dates were a combination of everything, ramping both the humor and emotions up the further into their relationship they grew. While this had a lot of fun, it also had an extreme amount of steam when this couple finally took that step. And holy prickly pears! There is some serious tease going on before they ever reach that point. Overall, a great read with secondary characters that helped to support the hero and heroine. I did not read the first book. While I think it would have added to my enjoyment with this one, I never felt lost without it.

This was such a cute, fun read! Perfect for the summer and an afternoon with some down time and the desire to dive into something that will allow you to escape into a sweet but steamy. Tara and Seth were both super cute. With a promise to not fall for each other, of course you know what’s going to happen. But I was fine with that. Sometimes the predictable is like coming home. It’s a comfort all on its own. Their dates were a combination of everything, ramping both the humor and emotions up the further into their relationship they grew. While this had a lot of fun, it also had an extreme amount of steam when this couple finally took that step. And holy prickly pears! There is some serious tease going on before they ever reach that point. Overall, a great read with secondary characters that helped to support the hero and heroine. I did not read the first book. While I think it would have added to my enjoyment with this one, I never felt lost without it.

Give me a hot nerdy hero any day! Add a heroine who’s a bit IT illiterate and the nerdy guy’s nanny to boot, and I’m all in! Once I started I could not stop! Penny’s got some real life struggles that have her in a low place emotionally. Her offer of the nanny position had a magical, fairy tale quality to it that had me curling deeper into my reading spot. Despite her nerves regarding the job, she was amazing during her first interaction with Rowen. Watching her grow into confidence with her writing and her additional job with Rowen’s company was not only fun and quirky, it was everything sweet that captured the hearts of those around her. Rowen had some serious issues as a result of the way he was raised. But from the first moment he saw Penelope he was a goner. Although he attempted to keep his emotional distance, he continued to fall further and further into all that was Penny. I loved watching him yield to her sweet and crazy ways. I absolutely loved the dynamics between not only Rowen and Penny, but all of the surrounding characters as well. For a book that’s filled with steam, plenty of humor and a ton of heart warming moments, these characters came alive on the page due to beautifully rich development. And holy mother of all heartache! This book had me laughing one minute, fanning myself the next, then experiencing all the heartbreak imaginable before wrapping it all up in the most perfect way ever! I cannot wait for more nanny shenanigans!

I love absolutely every quirky, fun, and bizarre character in Del Sol. This is the type of place I wish I had grown up in. Seeing as that opportunity is long past, and it being fictional making it an impossibility to begin with, I’m enjoying the heck out of meeting the current residents of the town, namely those that are in Sheriff Vicram’s orbit. Sun continues to win me over in every way. Her wacky sense of humor is a perfect fit for me. It’s fun and light hearted without being stupid or immature and never at the cost of another person’s feelings. She is by far one of the greatest heroines of all time. Wish I had her as a role model for parenting back in the day when I needed someone to lead me. Lol. The romance takes a backseat, but anytime Levi is in the scene, things absolutely sizzle with excitement and expectation. I find myself drooling each time they have any quality time together as it’s pretty obvious they’ve got some serious heat going on between them. Add in the beautiful relationship between Auri and Cruz and the fact that this is relatively light on romance suddenly doesn’t feel like it’s lacking anything. While this has a woozy of a cliffhanger, it actually wraps up a few mysteries. Each one is just as thrilling and satisfying as any of the others. However, we are still left with so many questions regarding details of Sun’s abduction when she was younger. I’m anxious to learn it all even as I’m fascinated by each new thing that’s revealed.

Mind. Blown. This story totally twisted me one way and then another. From the beginning I never knew exactly what the true dynamic between these women were or where this was all going to end. Each time I suspected one thing, this author revealed a little more and I’d realize I was so wrong. Each of these characters pulled me into their dysfunctional lives as well as their relationship with each other, which was also dysfunctional. I couldn’t pinpoint who the villain or the good guys were because they all fit each role at one time or another. My mind was spinning and then suddenly...BAM! There it was. Yes! Of course that was what was happening. And just as I began to breathe again...I was once more tossed around to make sure I was paying attention. This book sucked me in from the first page and I read it non-stop. I love a psychological suspense that can surprise me and this one was INCREDIBLE! I had never heard of this author before but this blurb intrigued me so I took a chance and I am sooo glad that I did. I’ll definitely be checking her back-list as well as following her for more.

Mind. Blown. This story totally twisted me one way and then another. From the beginning I never knew exactly what the true dynamic between these women were or where this was all going to end. Each time I suspected one thing, this author revealed a little more and I’d realize I was so wrong. Each of these characters pulled me into their dysfunctional lives as well as their relationship with each other, which was also dysfunctional. I couldn’t pinpoint who the villain or the good guys were because they all fit each role at one time or another. My mind was spinning and then suddenly...BAM! There it was. Yes! Of course that was what was happening. And just as I began to breathe again...I was once more tossed around to make sure I was paying attention. This book sucked me in from the first page and I read it non-stop. I love a psychological suspense that can surprise me and this one was INCREDIBLE! I had never heard of this author before but this blurb intrigued me so I took a chance and I am sooo glad that I did. I’ll definitely be checking her back-list as well as following her for more.

Whoa! What the heck did I just read? This was one twisted, wild, mind bending story. I literally could not stop reading it once I started. The characters here are of every variety, each of them exhibiting the good and the bad in so many ways. I was totally caught up in the drama of their lives and the changes they were each facing as they adjusted to them. There was just a touch of something not normal going on and then a trickle of it as my anxiety grew before...boom! And then things got really weird. I LOVED it! This book tossed me from one emotion to the next and kept me on the edge of my seat one minute and recoiling the next. I have never read anything like this before. I was enthralled each step of the way with each new revelation and every bend in the journey. I kept thinking, “How the heck does someone come up with something like this?!” I never once looked away. Good thing I started this early in the morning. After loving everything about this story, I was concerned when I got close to the end. I was thrilled with the last few pages. It was absolutely perfect on every level. This book crosses all types of genre and trope lines. At least for me, it does. I can’t even begin to label it in order to recommend it. It was one of the most unusual books I’ve ever read and it pulled me in completely and refused to let me go.

I couldn’t put this book down! Yanis was just as incredible as I knew he would be. With protective instincts, he was always careful not to overstep with Bree as she was more than capable of protecting herself. However, this has lots of opportunities for him to take care of her which fed even more of my alpha loving heart. Bree was a tough, independent heroine that was able to take care of herself in pretty much any situation. I worried that she might be too tough for my liking. The kind of tough that would make her feel unapproachable and difficult to relate to. Not so. She had a soft heart that had been injured but she was willing to work to get past her issues. Because Yanis respected her talents, she never had to battle him to have her way. There were no too stupid to live moments for this heroine. This is a fast paced story filled with so much action, danger and drama. This mystery is interlaced with events from previous books in the series so it might be best to read them first. However, it would not be difficult to follow along if you have not. The plot intricately weaves itself around the past even as it pulls the reader into a new situation that is rife with danger. One by one things were gradually revealed leaving me glued to my Kindle. I loved how this had all the steam and smexiness that I enjoy in my romance, along with the suspense that I crave.

Wow, this was a great read! I love an amnesia story and this one fit perfectly into what I enjoy about them. The heroine, Olivia is one scary character if you’re on the wrong side of where she’s standing. Despite that, a good portion of this book shows her vulnerable, softer side as she struggles to regain her memory. I wasn’t sure how it was all going to play out once her memories returned but I was very pleased with the outcome of her story. Leo was amazing! His reaction to Olivia was delicious as was his protectiveness of her. There were moments when my heart just about leapt out of my chest on his behalf because of his sheer torment at what happened or what he imagined had happened. We get lots of the team in this story and I loved how they were all there for each other but especially Olivia as she needed it so much. The angst level ranges from low to high and the heat is mild to hot at times. I did feel the romance was more prevalent in this book than book 1 but still not the primary focus of the story. And that was okay because this has some great suspense and plenty of danger and drama.

This was such a cute, fun read. I was smiling and laughing pretty much from the first page. I found it to be very entertaining, with characters that were easy to fall in love with. While I never really felt the chemistry between the hero and heroine, the storyline was engaging and the secondary characters were just as interesting as the main characters. With so many fun moments that included corgis and seagulls, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the world this author created. Despite the hero and heroine having some issues to work through that affected their ability to take a chance on a relationship, the angst level remained low.

I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole various times in my life, but never anything like this! This is a fast paced story with twists and turns that had me turning the pages without pause. It was like pulling a thread on a sweater and watching it continue to unravel as it led me from one clue to another, each one more bizarre and fascinating. I was completely captivated by everything in this story. There were a few times I was lost due to the more scientific information that was being revealed. My mind refuses to understand science or math so I believe those particular moments were my own fault. Despite some of the terms and situations, I was still able to follow the storyline. With characters that kept me invested in their welfare, a plot that pulled me along with it, and an ending that had me wide eyed with astonishment, I ended this book happily exhausted from the journey these characters took me on.

Benny!!!! I have loved him since he was first introduced many books ago. I didn’t realize this author intended to give him his own story, although he’s definitely one of the most interesting and engaging characters of the series. As all heroes in this series, Benny is extremely protective of his family and friends and of the brotherhood of the Seven. But he’s even more so with Karma. Karma has an unusual history when compared to the other women of the Seven or even the Realm. Her current situation is one that she’s lived with for centuries but after a brief encounter with Benny, years ago, the Kurjan have new plans for her and are using her children as the impetus to make her fulfill them. She’s sweet and gentle and loves romance books because of the strong heroines she finds within the pages. Watching her morph from who she has been trained to be into someone she wants to be was wonderful. This is a fast read with a lot of action. We continue to get a few looks at Hope, Drake and Paxton and I have to admit that I’ve got definite opinions on which of the two I’m hoping she ends up with. Although, I do wonder if Ms. Zanetti isn’t deliberately playing with us. With the continued addition of the rest of the Seven as well as other favorite characters, this was such an entertaining read. So much so that I’m already clamoring for the next book!

What a great ending to this exceptional series! I love a heroine who knows what she wants. Put her in a historical romance where society’s conventions put a restraint on those desires, and that provides all kinds of fun outcomes. Ms. Jeffries took Vanessa’s desire for Sheridan and turned his world upside down. I loved how Vanessa was smart enough to maneuver the situation to fit her needs. Sheridan didn’t have a clue he was being gently manipulated. Watching Sheridan manipulate Vanessa, unknowing that he was the one being manipulated, was just too much fun. It was plain to see how he truly felt, despite his ignorance of his own feelings. Give me a hero that is jealous to the point of acting impetuously, one that is protective beyond reason, and I’m a happy reader. Poor Sheridan. He never had a clue. This is a fast read with so much wit and fun throughout, involving all the characters from the series. I adore the way this family harassed each other with love. There is plenty of drama as the whole group continues to investigate who the murderer might be. Along with the relationship angst between Sheridan and Vanessa, there are also some pretty hot and steamy scenes with this couple. Overall, a perfect book to wrap things up all while giving us a happily ever after for Sheri

Oh my gosh!!! This is by far my most favorite book of the year! This has everything I love in any genre of romance. Gabriel was a hero that was damaged and broken with outward scars that most looked upon with revulsion. He has never been with a woman but from the moment he laid eyes on Felicity he was taken by her. The way he originally hid in the shadows to watch her checked boxes I didn’t even know I had, making me giddy with excitement. Fiercely protective over her, he would do anything to keep her safe and imagined what he would do to those men who would court her for her hand in marriage. I absolutely loved him and his all consuming adoration of the heroine. Felicity was so sweet, innocent, the one Goode sister that the rest of the family was protective over. Essentially, she was everything good that one could imagine. What could such a heroine need except a big, burly, rumbly hero with a scarred face and the ability to easily kill with his hands? This was a fast paced story with lots of danger and action. While the chemistry is evident between Gabriel and Felicity, this is a very slow burn but perfect for the relationship they were developing. When they do yield to one another, holy heck, the pages ignited with an inferno of heat. Highly recommend this one to those who love a historical romance that follows a bit more traditional lines but manages to make it feel fresh and new.

Now this is romance! From their first meeting, this had everything you could possibly imagine to lay out the perfect romance storyline. Abby and Aiden were strong, incredible characters and watching them romance themselves into a forever relationship was beautiful. Although Abby might not appear to be the strongest of the sisters, I felt like she had a firmer hand on what was emotionally best for herself moving forward after her mother’s death. She had an awesome dream and watching it come to fruition with the help of friends as well as Aiden was actually inspiring. Aiden was pretty much hooked from the first moment he saw Abby. From that point onward he quickly became the most swooniest of heroes I’ve read in quite some time. He knew exactly what to do and say to win not only Abby’s heart, but mine. This was a low angst read with little drama and lots of heart. The heat level is scorching and written in a way to highlight the evolving relationship between Abby and Aiden. With characters from previous books as well as a few new ones, this is definitely setting things up for the series and I can’t wait.

Wow, this was one twisted sister tale! It didn’t take any time for me to get completely caught up in this story. It was so easy to picture Rose and Fern fraternal twins, one of them apparently on the spectrum and the other her protector. What an awful childhood they had. Is it any wonder the issues they faced as adults? My heart hurt for them. While Fern is never officially diagnosed, her condition is pretty obvious. She’s highly functioning and I fell completely in love with her. She was totally charming in such an innocent way and I realize that was due to her autism, but the way this author portrayed her had me loving her, wanting to hug her (even though that would be a no-go) and laughing at the way she inadvertently pulled others into her world. Rose was fiercely protective of Fern. Her whole life revolved around her. She was an amazing older sister and Fern would have been lost without her. I worried about her other relationships and how Fern’s presence affected them. Much of this is written in a journal type of format that gives us glimpses into the past. With each new entry we are given, a clearer picture begins to form. I began to question the title along with the words on the page and soon I was vacillating between who truly was the good sister and why were they not considered good? This has a very thin veil of darkness running through it but the question is to which twin is it contributed to?

Oh my gosh! This book, with all it’s originality in a genre that can be repetitive at times, was absolutely wonderful! There is no way I could have known how unique this story was going to be. With a hero and heroine that didn’t hesitate to say what was on their minds to each other. I was gobbling up the banter between them as fast as I could. Once Diana had been married and soon widowed, she really came into herself. She embraced the freedom her place in society gave her and along with it came the opportunity to accept a scandalous proposition. Gah! I love scandalous propositions! And I loved Diana. She was bold and feisty, never hesitating to speak her opinion. She was exactly what Jeremy needed. I struggled just a tad with Jeremy’s reason for the proposition. Afterall, here’s a man who has been horn-dogging around for years and the premise didn’t feel authentic for either him or Diana. However, I’m a lenient reader and I pushed that aside and had no trouble at all embracing everything else about these characters and the plot. With secondary characters that I became just as invested in as Jeremy and Diana, I was pulled completely into the story. The laugh out loud moments were frequent, the chemistry believable and absolutely sizzled when this hero and heroine were alone together, and the ending absolutely perfect.

There’s just something about deep, dark water that always sends a shiver of fear down my spine. You’d think I’d completely avoid it. And I do. Unless it’s the promise of a horror story. It’s been a long while since I’ve picked up a book in this genre but after a lot of lighter romance books, I was ready for something twisty and dark. The Drowning Kind was the perfect choice. Jackie was an eye opening character for me. Some of the emotions she felt towards her family were unflattering of her character, and yet I empathize with her and could totally understand why she would feel the way she did. When she felt the shame of her emotions, I too felt the shame in understanding her. It was a twisted connection I’ve not experienced with a heroine before. And that is where I truly began to fall into the story. The pacing of this story was perfect for the plot as the tension slowly builds and with each step of the way the fear begins to escalate until I found myself hesitant to turn the page.

I do not normally read this type of book, and I’m not sure what made me choose to do so now. When I started it, I was just going to read the first chapter or so because I had things to do and I really didn’t expect it to hold my attention, especially within the first few pages. I could not have been more wrong. This story immediately pulled me in. With it’s lush descriptions and emotion pouring out of every word, I was quickly swept up into Lila’s current life, as well as her past. With each word I found myself immersed in the southern atmosphere she grew up in. I cannot recall another book that evoked such a feeling of being present in the story, as The Sweet Taste of Muscadines did. I found myself loving each of the siblings and captivated by the way they dealt with the issues at hand. The plot is multi-layered but so beautifully woven together, I didn’t even recognize its many dimensions until I reflected back on it. This has a fast pace and while it richly paints a picture of life in the South, it never bogs down or becomes repetitive. I was unable to stop reading once I began. How is it possible this is this author’s debut novel? I’m astounded at her talent and would not be surprised if this were to ever be made into a movie.

Wow! This was one hot and steamy read with plenty of drama and mystery to hold it all together. While I enjoyed Sallie and appreciated her ability to endure the ordeal she’s been through, this book really got me with Jacob. He’s a super alpha hero that’s fiercely protective, extremely possessive and exhibits a streak of jealousy when the situation calls for it. And oh man, things between him and Sallie were explosive. Yeah, you can totally go there. They literally set the pages of this book on fire. This has several surprises and along with all the steam, it’s actually got a great storyline running through it. The inclusion of a trio of brothers has me hoping we’ll be seeing them in the future as they all carry great potential to be just as amazing as Jacob. Highly recommended if you like a strong alpha and a lot of heat.

This had me laughing and grinning, at times wanting to smack the hero, it made me cry from sadness and finally with happiness. Chase was a hero I wasn’t sure how to feel about. He was hateful and rude with his remarks and inner thoughts (even as they had a touch of humor to them) and I was afraid if the author didn’t show me something to redeem him soon, nothing was going to be able to do the job. About the fifty percent mark it slowly started to happen. And let me say, once it started to turn, I was completely hooked. Maddie was the type of heroine I could totally relate to. She’s pretty much the girl that feels a bit insecure, a people pleaser, and does what’s needed to make those around her happy. Even at the cost of herself. I loved that as she began to let the true her shine, it was not because she had the support of a man or to make anyone happy. She was simply being herself. And I loved who she truly was. This had a lot of emotion and depth to it even as I consider it a rom-com. There was no outward action or drama. Everything is based upon Maddie and Chase’s relationship with each other and those around them. Chase was an alpha hero that possessed some jealous/possessive streaks although they were generally thoughts that he kept hidden. He also was one dirty talker and never hesitated to let Maddie know exactly what he wanted and how he wanted it. This has an awesome ending and an incredible epilogue.

Wow, this was not what I was expecting. Francesca was one tough, original heroine, unlike any I’ve read before. She had set before her a plan and she wouldn’t let anything stop her from it. The things that she did were quite unique for a woman of this era, and I did struggle some with her choices and actions. But in the end, she won me over as she proved everything she did was for those she had loved and lost. Chandler also exhibited some unique qualities although they were more fitting for the time. He was intensely protective of Francesca and that protectiveness grew exponentially the closer they became. He did react at one point in a way that made me want to smack him, but he totally redeemed himself and I, like Francesca, forgave him. This has a lot of drama and angst with just as much mystery and danger. I never knew what was going to happen next. Each few pages something happened that kept me fully engaged and refusing to close the book. The surprises just kept coming and I was breathless with shock and awe with each one. While this takes place in the latter 1800s, I did feel that there were times when the story felt much more modern. That did distract from the overall feel and depth of the story for me, but I still enjoyed it and was overall very satisfied.

Oh my gosh! This was one intense read! Samantha was one gutsy heroine. I loved that she wasn’t so hardened and crude as some heroines in law enforcement are created to be. She was fierce enough to know she could get the job done, but never mean or rude to those around her. Her relationship with her partner and her ex shed a light on who she truly was inside and I liked everything about her. This has a lot of drama to it. Once it starts there is no slowing down. It never bogs or gets repetitive. Instead, it’s like a snowball rolling down hill. When the plot hits a certain point, it picks up speed and there was no way I was closing this book until I knew how it all ended. My heart was racing and each time I reached one of those amazing LRJ twists, I was gasping and clutching at my Kindle. This is not a romance, although there is a love interest involved. Only to the very smallest degree is their relationship brought into the mix. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of this couple if there are any future books. And I have to confess I was thrilled that this didn’t drop me off a cliff! I actually want another book although it’s not required!

This was the most perfect ending for this incredible series! Clara had had a crush on Karson throughout their time in the junkyard. Her emotional reaction to their time dwindling down to the day they would all be going their own ways had me choking up repeatedly. Within a few pages this author had me engulfed in the story and experiencing all the young heartache that Clara was experiencing. Although we’ve seen bits and pieces of the kids junkyard lives, we get an ever better look this time around. It amazes me that something so out of the ordinary can feel so real when Ms. Perry puts her pen and paper to it. I felt as though I were inside that wrecked van or sitting within the walls of the tent that held so many memories for all of the kids. Karson’s point of view comes up during the second half of the book and I fell in love with him even more than I already had. He has a bit of a struggle once they are reunited, but there was never a doubt where his heart had been years ago and where it remained. This is a pretty angsty read with characters that stole my heart, chemistry that sizzled across the page, and an epilogue that was not only perfect for Clara and Karson, but for the whole group.

What an action filled read! This had so much going on from the very beginning. There were family issues, mysteries inside mysteries, and the romance between the hero and heroine. The divide that was automatically between Coll and Persephone made the development of their relationship much more angsty than I anticipated. I loved Coll and his big growly ways. He did attempt to do what was requested of him but through it all he couldn’t stop thinking about Persephone. That made him even more amazing to me. His character was written in such a way that I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. Persephone was an interesting heroine, especially for the time. She was dependent but in a way I was expecting. She also has a secret that I never saw coming and which had me turning pages faster. This is filled with lots of friends and plenty of MacTaggerts and their wild but loyal ways, which I loved. The steam level is pretty intense and the heroine is pretty bold. I do wish there had been an epilogue but I suspect the author will give an update on them in a future book. Not my favorite, but at least we get Persephone’s and Coll’s happy ever after.

I’m all about the hero of the story, but Ms. Byrne writes heroines that are so unique they are as exciting to meet as her heroes. Mercy is proof this is the case. She was self confident in her abilities, even if they did not meld with society’s expectations. And although she was aware of her inability to attract a suitor, she didn’t let it sway who she was at heart. I absolutely adored everything about her and loved watching her relationship with Raphael develop. ”She’d come to terms with the fact that she was a thorn in the collective side of the world at large. Forever too much or not enough.” Raphael was pretty unique on his own. With a French accent, a dubious background, and a streak of protectiveness for those he loves, I read his actions and decisions with bated breath, uncertain what the ultimate outcome would be. Watching him with Mercy was heat inducing as he was forthright and pretty bold with her. With each page I fell harder and harder into love with him. ”No. He was not mysterious, this man. He wore his darkness. Advertised his sins. Pinned his emotions to his suit like a badge of honor.” This is filled with drama, mystery and action that kept me on my toes. Whatever secret Raphael was keeping had me turning pages as quickly as possible only to slow them way down once the steam factor came into play. After all, when you’ve got the chemistry and heat that resided between Mercy and Raphael on the page in front of you, it’s a biological response.

Oh my gosh!Hux and Everly!They are everything that sizzles, angst that will bring tears to your eyes and ALL the feels! Holy heck, did I love this book! I didn’t realize I was going to adore Everly as much as I did. The hero is usually my focus point, but Everly totally won me over one hundred percent. Watching her natural flow with Hux was magic. She had a way about her that is hard to describe which shows the talent of this author when it comes to developing characters. Hux was the type of hero that I can never get enough of. He was grumpy, frowny, and determined to keep others at a distance. But when Everly enters his life, he begins to make decisions that weaken his previous resolves. Gah! I love when that happens. Watching his downfall was wonderful and extremely emotional. Together, Hux and Everly set my kindle on FIRE! They absolutely blew up the heat-o-meter. Everything between them felt real, from their battle against falling in love, to their moments or honesty with each other. The conflict between them as well as their own personal issues often had me tearing up if not actually crying out loud. This is a fast read, with great pacing and some wonderful characters.

This whole series has been amazing and while each book has been fulfilling in itself, they’ve also built up my desire for Angus’ story. And with Driven, I finally have it. The fact that I’ve had numerous opportunities to see Angus and Nari interact in the previous books, added more depth to their story. But now I got to really see them in action and they did not disappoint. While Angus is definitely a protective hero, he was never over the top with it. I liked that he was able to allow Nari to do her thing, even if he would have preferred to keep her hidden away. Nari actually took me by surprise. She was nothing as I expected making her the perfect match for Angus. This is filled with so much action, drama, suspense and danger. All of it was sprinkled with a bit of humor and a healthy dose of sizzling chemistry. I was a bit disappointed that Roscoe’s character was not given the chance to shine as much as he has in some of the previous books. He’s still my favorite from the whole series. While this is part of a series and would be better read in order, it doesn’t have to be. I highly recommend this book and any of the previous books!

Yowza! This book took control of my every emotion and never let go! This couple had some issues and a rough road before they finally found their footing. I was totally caught up in their relationship drama, biting my nails as they each were pulled into danger and suspense outside their relationship as well. There wasn’t a moment where something wasn’t happening or I didn’t feel the sense of trouble waiting in the peripheral of their personal story. This cover hinted at a somewhat different hero, but I didn’t have a clue just how unique Radar was going to be. A little geeky with a tremendous talent in front of a computer, he also shined with an alpha attitude when it came to Hillary. She was more than capable of handling his dominant manner in a way that had me cheering her on. Feisty! I loved it! Starting with a rush of action, this never really slowed down. Radar and Hillary were quite heated in more than one way and I was consumed with everything about them. With additional characters that added either support or more drama and a plot line I didn’t see coming, I refused to put this book down once I started.

Holy heck!We only thought Nico was the ultimate possessive hero! Christian takes things to a whole other level! I was worried about whether I would like Gianna as I didn’t really care for her in the first book. But it didn’t take long for me to see that there was so much more to her than what is on the surface. She has her own taste in clothing, a seemingly wide open personality that pulls everyone in, and a dark past that has left its mark in the form of panic attacks. While her drug use bothered me, the underlying reasons for it was understandable. When her past is finally revealed, I hurt for her. The relationship between Gianna and Christian is filled with so many mixed emotions. There is a lot of push and pull here laced with animosity, desire and angst. While this doesn’t have a dramatic conflict, the personal issues that have to be dealt with are soul destroying and make for more than enough drama. The flashbacks and timeline were a bit confusing at times, although the author does clearly label them. Despite the mafia lifestyle not being the core of this story, its presence is very much felt. While I liked the epilogue, this couple had to work hard to get to their happy ever after and I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t ever get to really see them together in that state. An additional scene would have been, as Gianna might have said, “the icing on the brownie”.