Musings and Ramblings

Series: SWAT, #4
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Published: June 7, 2016
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Length: 352 pages

This series has is the perfect mix of Paranormal Romance and Romantic Suspense.  We have a Dallas SWAT team, so there is all manner of the police/criminal element with lots of fantastic action and solid suspenseful moments. Mix in them all being Alpha Werewolves, and this adds a layer of Paranormal that gives this series and masterful edge. Throw in the whole HEA thing and it's the perfect mix of romance, suspense, and paranormal for those of us who just can't get enough of either genre.

Cooper has a been a sweetheart of a guy in the previous three books, helping the guys to come to terms with and accept that the awesome new woman in their life just might be The One. Being able to see Cooper get his shot at it, and almost blowing it, was lead to an excellent read.

We are back to a werewolf/human mix. But there is a serious twist this time with Everly's family that helped to fill in more world building with new details. I was happy to be able to see more of our previous couples through the eyes of Cooper, as well as getting the scoop on some secondary characters road to an HEA that spans multiple books in secondary plot lines.

Everly and Cooper had great chemistry together right from the start, with their introduction coming in the form of a bank robbery that Cooper stops, oh and while doing so, saves Everly's life. Take the following exchange for example:

“Well, if a date is the thanks you’re looking for, I can promise you one thing,” she said.
“What’s that?”
She stepped closer, and if they hadn’t been in the middle of a crime scene, he wouldn’t have been surprised if she’d gone up on her tiptoes to kiss him. And he sure as hell wouldn’t have stopped her.
“That you’re in for the very best date of your life,” she said.

I can't get enough of this series, and while you could probably read these as stand alone, you will miss the details and slow but steady world building that has been taking place through out the books. And why would you want to do that?  I am as thrilled with this book as I was with the first. 4 Stars for a Great Read!

Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

HE'S FOUND THE ONE...

SWAT officer Landry Cooper is certain Everly Danu is The One. The problem is, she has no idea what Cooper really is. And as much as he wants to trust her, he's not sure he can share his deepest secret...

When Everly's family discovers Cooper's a werewolf, her brothers will do anything to keep them apart-they'll kill him if they have to. Everly is falling hard for the ridiculously handsome SWAT officer, and she's not about to let her brothers tell her who she can love... Until Cooper's secret is exposed and she discovers the man she thought she knew is a monster in disguise.

BUT CAN HE KEEP HER?

    

Series: Kelly Jackson Mystery, #2
Publisher: Lyrical Underground
Published: June 7, 2016
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Length: 192 pages

The first book in this series, Murder at Redwood Cove, was a fabulous four star read from a debut author. The combination of a scenic setting, colorful characters, and a unique plot-line served to capture my attention and brought me back for more.

At the end of book one, Kelly Jackson, temporary manager of Redwood Cove Bed and Breakfast became the permanent manager with her decision to settle down in the area.  She has just barely returned from her parents home in Wyoming, loaded down with a horse trailer full of her things when she heads over to Resort Internationals other local property, Redwood Heights to assist with doing an inventory in preparation of it's sale.

While she is there, a guest falls down some stairs and swears that she was pushed.  When the same guest ends up murdered the very next day, suspicion falls on everyone who was in the mansion at the time.  And with a recent spate of jewelry thefts at the mansion, everyone is suspect and on edge wondering if the two crimes are connected. Kelly has to call on the Silver Sentinels to help her sort through historical paperwork, find missing suspects and  work to find the guilty party or parties.

I really don't want to spoiler anything too badly, but I just have to say that I was completely fooled by the thief. There were plenty of hints dropped, but I didn't put it together until after Kelly explained. The murderer was a bit of a surprise; I was almost all the way there when they exposed themselves as the killer.  Wooboy, what a moment that was! The reveal was so clever and unexpected that I had to go back and reread it a couple times to make sure that I had it all correct. 

Though this book gives us a bit more background on Kelly, as well as the Silver Sentinel individuals, it still defers much of their history to be discovered in coming books. I had a marvelous time in the town of Redwood Cove and can't wait to see what happens next. A great read, I gave it 4 stars.

Netgalley and Kensington Books provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Fortunes, fineries, and foul play...

It’s whale-watching season in Redwood Cove, and B&B manager Kelly Jackson’s battening down the hatches for the tourist rush at Redwood Heights—a Victorian-style estate owned by her boss. And due to recent jewelry thefts, her duties include keeping track of the many dust-covered artifacts spread throughout the property. But when Kelly finds Sylvia Porter’s lifeless body, menial tasks don’t seem so terrible. Enlisting the help of a ragtag group of brainy retirees, aka the “Silver Sentinels,” Kelly’s on the hunt for clues hidden behind the mansion’s glamorous façade...and for a killer who may want to make history of her next!

    

Series: Hot Desert Heroes, #1
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Published: June 7, 2016
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 245 pages

I have been on a real Romantic Suspense kick lately, and let's be honest, there have been some outstanding examples available. I found this little gem, and just couldn't resist adding it to my reading list.

The book started a bit slow, with 10 pages of back history on our heroine, Laney before the first line of dialogue is spoken. But what I line it was.  Our hero Beck, has been watching her hide from him and duck his subtle advances for over a year. Now he's done waiting around and decided to go for the gold.

“I’m not givin’ you a chance to run, Laney. No more playin’ around. Today’s the day you and I start to get acquainted.”

Laney is a very shy and slightly socially awkward character.  She didn't have a great childhood, with a mother who constantly belittled her and compared her to her sister. Luckily, her sister had her own issues with their mother and the sisters managed a very tight bond.  However, that lack of self-esteem led her to end up in an abusive marriage, that she did manage to find the courage to escape from. Where this leaves us is with a character who is has a hard time believing that the hot guy she has had a crush on, is crushing on her right back.

Beck and his crew are former special ops Marines. They joined together, each bringing a unique specialty to the table and formed Red Eagle, a security firm. Beck is very much a guy. I know what you are thinking, of course he is. But I mean, like a real guy. Knowledgeable about the physical, but not so knowledgeable about the emotional. Some of his comments came off just a bit chauvinistic, but totally believable for the character and his background.  Honestly, I don't really mind a guy being a guy, as long as he's not a complete misogynist asshat. Or as Laney's friend says to her:

“He’s still just a man,” Colbie said with wisdom beyond her years. “Give him a problem to solve and he’s all over it. Give him a woman and, other than sex, he doesn’t quite know what to do with her.”

There were a couple of times that I thought their relationship seemed a bit rushed, but I had to keep reminding myself that they have this year of history as acquaintances. Due to circumstances the relationship progressed pretty quickly, and even Laney had concerns about how quickly they were moving in together, though Beck had no issues at all.

I did like the dialogue between Beck, Laney and their friends and co-workers. Plus the suspense and action bits were well plotted and paced. I can totally see myself heading back to into this world for the next book. This was an enjoyable read and I gave it 3 stars.

Netgalley and Samhain Publishing provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Their passion burns white hot. But danger is heartless and cold.

Hot Desert Heroes, Book 1

Delaney Murphy has had a stomach-fluttering, mouth-watering crush on Beck since the first time she saw him over the rim of her regular morning latte. But she’s never been long on self-confidence, especially around exceptionally handsome men.

After a year of avoiding him, she’s shocked when he slides into the next chair and wears down her resistance to a first date.

When Laney is laid off from her job, Marines special ops veteran Beck “Gravedigger” Townsend wastes no time hiring the quiet, auburn-haired beauty into Red Eagle Group, his security firm. Keeping her within touching distance—and under his protection.

Laney’s smile and sharp intelligence light up Beck’s life and heat up his bed, yet he hesitates to give her what she really wants: full access to the darkest corners of his wounded spirit. But when danger is delivered right to Red Eagle’s door, the only way to save her—and their love—will be to bleed. Body and soul…

Warning: Adult language and graphic sex scenes between a man locked behind his secrets, and a woman ready to break free of her past. If you think the desert is hot, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

    

Series: Search and Rescue, #2
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Published: June 7, 2016
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 450 pages

The last two stories in this series dealt with the Dive Teams part of Search and Rescue.  This story centers on the Fire Fighting side, specifically with biker bad boy, Ian Walsh.  To be honest, I wasn't sure that I was going to be all that into this book. I mean, I am so done with the sub-genre of "MC/biker" books. It's on my list of Nope's, falling right under "Billionaires". Seriously, I'm just over them all ready.  But I enjoyed the last book so much, that I had to give this one it's fair chance. I'm glad that I did. This book didn't take us down that well worn road with the usual cliches and try to glamorize or sensationalize bikers. It simply painted the picture of the good and bad that can be found in the clubs and they are made up of all kinds of people.


Our heroine, Rory, was such an awesome character. She appears to be a bit anti-social, plenty paranoid and with just a smidgen of the dark side.  But that's not it at all, not really. There are plenty of good reasons why she is the way she is. And the fact that Ian seriously adores her is so amusing in her bafflement of how to act towards him. I had a lot of fun watching these two dance around each other.  I loved how the female character is the gun enthusiast and to be honest, after reading about her handling them, it totally made me want to go to a shooting range and give it a try.

There were some great moments in this book, including the ones where she is going head to head with the less legal members of the biker clubs.  The following is what she tells one who is giving her a bit of hard time about one of her guns:

“No, I’ve decided for you.” Rory flicked her fingers in a “gimme” gesture. There was a beep indicating someone had just come through the front door of her shop, and the last of her patience disappeared. “If you can’t appreciate an accurate, dependable, untraceable Kel-Tec SUB 2000 because it’s not comfy enough, then you don’t deserve it. Hand it over.”

The series arc continues as they we find out more information about the HDG and the mystery surrounding his death, as it ties into the plot of this particular book. I enjoyed the ride along and behind the scenes of the firehouse, as Rory interacted with Ian. There was plenty of action carefully balanced by heart, and it kept me turning pages until I finished breathless.  This was a Great Read and I gave it 4 stars.

Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

In the remote Rocky Mountains, lives depend on the Search & Rescue brotherhood. But in a place this far off the map, trust is hard to come by and secrets can be murder...

As a Motorcycle Club member and firefighter, Ian Walsh is used to riding the line between the good guys and the bad. He may owe the Club his life, but his heart rests with his fire station brothers...and with the girl he's loved since they were kids, Rory Sorenson. Ian would do anything for Rory. He'd die for her. Kill for her. Defend her to his last breath-and he may just have to.

Every con in the Rockies knows Rory is the go-to girl for less-than-legal firearms, and for the past few years, she's managed to keep the peace between dangerous factions by remaining strictly neutral. But when she defends herself against a brutal attack, Rory finds herself catapulted into the center of a Motorcycle Club war-with only Ian standing between her and a threat greater than either of them could have imagined.

    

Series: Country Store Mystery, #2
Publisher: Kensington
Published: May 31, 2016
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Length: 304 pages

I enjoyed the first book in this series, Flipped for Murder, enough to give it 4 stars. The idea of an old country store and restaurant, quaint with age and a homespun feel, just gives me this warm glow. I know it's the wrong part of the country and not completely accurate, but I can't help picturing a cross between Luke's Diner in Star's Hollow and Cracker Barrel whenever I picture the interior. It gives me that same small town, everyone's welcome, homey vibe.

Robbie's restaurant is well on it's way to becoming a local landmark. She is catering a private welcome home party for the daughter of a local couple. The daughter is returning home after the death of her husband, Robbie's love interest's twin brother. (Don't you just love small town dynamics?) But Erica, the daughter in question, not only shows up over a hour late to her party, but starts several arguments and is quite the drama queen. But Robbie is beyond shocked when she wakes up the next morning and goes out to find Erica dead on the floor of her store propped up next to the pickle barrel.

For this investigation, the state police are called in and some new characters are added to the mix of the ones from book one.  There is a bit of romantic drama for Robbie, as the new state police detective is the former love of Jim, Robbie's boyfriend. I had a pretty good idea of whodunit, and was ultimately rewarded with being 100% accurate. The side plots added a provocative twist to the story, and I had a hard time putting the book down. I confess, I would have consumed this in one go if life had allowed. This was another great read and I gave it 4 stars.

Netgalley and Kensington provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Robbie Jordan may have had reservations about the murder victim, but she still needs to turn up the heat on a killer if she wants to keep her new restaurant open for business…

In the charming small town of South Lick, Indiana, Robbie has transformed a rundown country store into the runaway hit Pans 'N Pancakes. But the most popular destination for miles around can also invite trouble. Erica Shermer may be the widow of handsome local lawyer Jim Shermer's brother, but she doesn't appear to be in mourning. At a homecoming party held in Robbie's store, Erica is alternately obnoxious and flirtatious--even batting her eyelashes at Jim. When Erica turns up dead in the store the next morning, apparently clobbered with cookware, the police suspect Robbie's friend Phil, who closed up after the party. To clear Phil and calm her customers, Robbie needs to step out from behind the counter and find the real killer in short order…

    

Series: None
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Published: May 31, 2016
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 242 pages

I was excited when I saw this book. A female FBI agent being the saver instead of the savee? Hells Yeah!  As far as I'm concerned, we don't get enough of the woman being the ass kicker in romances today. Woman are just as capable as men, and our romances should reflect that.

Once I got into the book, I discovered that the female lead is a woman of color. I was startled for a minute, mainly because the cover is ambiguous enough that you don't really notice skin color.  *Applause* Here's to us all becoming color blind and choosing a story about character, not race. Nicely played, Samhain.

There was also a very well thought out and intricate plot. The action moves along at a pretty good clip and though there were a lot of moving pieces, the story stayed on point and kept things progressing nicely.  We knew who the bad guy was early on, and parts of his plot, but not all the pieces. That was strung out throughout the story, keeping you guessing and wondering. All the characters were well rounded and complex, creating a very believable world.  There was a lot to like about this story.

So, what didn't I like?  First off, not enough dialogue.  Pages and pages of being told things. Person A did this, and Person B did that. Person C goes here and Person D went there. Stop telling me.  Let the character's talk to each other and by extension, to me. Here we have this strong, sassy, smart mouthed, bad ass of an agent, and she spends more time talking to her herself than to others. *facepalm*

Another problem I had with the dialogue that was there, was that it felt very stiff. There was very little back and forth between the characters. It was mostly these several sentence long paragraphs, that felt nothing like a conversation.  Take the following for example:

“Let’s get something straight so there is no misunderstanding, you shithead. I’m an FBI agent. You are an assignment and it is my responsibility to keep your dumb ass alive until you become somebody else’s headache. But you do not come to my parents’ home or interact with my family, you understand what I’m saying to you?”

This starts well, but just keeps going and going.  I really felt our hero could have interjected, interrupted, just something, anything, to help create a joint dynamic. Instead, she rants at him, then he has this multi-paragraph explanation in response. Each one is doing their own mini soliloquy, not actually working together to create an exchange or discourse. It just felt too unnatural and stilted to work for me.

That being said, would I recommend this read? Absolutely. Many people don't have the nit picky issues that I do with dialogue, and there was much to recommend besides the dialogue, which is my personal foible. If you are looking for a romantic suspense with complex characters and a tight plot, give this book a look. I gave this book 3 stars for being an enjoyable read.

Netgalley and Samhain Publishing provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Trusting her is dangerous. Not trusting her could be deadly.

Jae Randall isn’t just another pretty face. She’s a trained FBI Special Agent who’s just been assigned to extract and relocate a witness.

It’s a no-brainer. Strictly routine. Until she realizes there’s nothing ordinary about this assignment—nor the handsome doctor she’s supposed to protect.

After five years under threat of capture, even death, Trevor Grant trusts no one. Least of all the beautiful, statuesque woman who asks him to dance—then informs him she’s his contact.

Before he can figure out whether she’s legit or part of the shadowy militia who’s after him, shots ring out. And Jae’s piece-of-cake assignment turns into a bloody, life-or-death race against time to find out who has betrayed them—and a losing battle to resist their electric attraction.

Warnings: Contains a gun-wielding, ass-kicking FBI agent with a gift for eloquent profanity, and a psychiatrist with a secret recipe every military on earth would love to get their hands on. Readers are reminded that when in doubt—or danger—always use protection.

    

Series: The Wahyas of Walker’s Run, #1
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne
Published: June 1, 2016
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 304

This book starts with our hero, Brice,  standing naked and wet on the back porch of his grandmother's cabin. He has just spent 3 days traveling as his wolf, including swimming up river, to sneak into his father's lands to see his ailing grandmother. He knows he is not welcome, due to a heinous mistake he made in his youth.  Instead of his grandmother, what he finds is a fierce young woman, who has no problems using his own bat, while wearing his high school jersey, to put him in his place.

Cassie grew up in poverty, with a mother who not only drank too much, but when the times got lean, would solicit male companions for monetary assistance. After her mother lost a struggle with cancer, there was nothing left but the bills. Cassie made it her mission to get her education and be independent and self sufficient, never wanting to be in the position to have to accept charity again. As the story unfolds, Brice is given new insights about the accident and the events surrounding it, while Cassie learns how to trust her heart.

There are two different bad guys in this book. One who is just pure mean evil, and the other who is a bad guy, but more in the vein of being selfish and short sighted than truly evil. Both cause problems for Brice, and by extension, for Cassie as well. It's hard to believe that the bulk of the book takes place over just one week. So much is going on, including some truths that are biter pills for Brice to swallow. The ending was interesting and I liked how things were resolved between Cassie and Brice.  This was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to the next in the series. I gave it 3 wolf sized stars.

The Herd Presents provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Who's been sleeping in the Alpha's bed?

Exiled from his pack by his father, Brice Walker has secretly come home to visit his ailing grandmother only to discover a human and very desirable female sleeping in his bed. Their attraction is instant. But his new bed buddy seems determined to resist his Southern charm and Alpha allure.

For Brice, fiercely independent Cassie not only represents a chance to build a new life in Walker's Run but is also his one true mate. Cassie's reluctance dissolves when a rogue shifter kidnaps her, and now she and Brice must work together to save his pack. But once she witnesses the savagery of wolfan justice, can Cassie accept Brice as man, beast and her true love?

    

Series: An Otter Lake Mystery, #1
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Published: March 1st 2016
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Length: 305 pages

I think all of us have some high school trauma that we just never get over. Whether it's a small embarrassing moment, or something on a grander scale, high school is the time when we are at our most awkward and our emotions are at their most volatile. It can leave a last impression. Ant that's just where this book has it's plot roots, in a teenage prank that left her the laughing-stock of the town.

Erica Bloom hasn't been back to Otter Lake since she left, nearly 8 years ago.  She's only home because her mother's Island Retreat, is having some serious issues, and Erica was needed at home.  But with the anniversary of the Raspberry Festival, the night of her most embarrassing moment, just days away, Erica would rather be anywhere else.  And when one of the three pranksters ends up dead, everyone can't help wonder if Erica has come back with revenge in mind.

There were many things to like about the book.  The secondary characters were a charming mix of wack-a-doodle and corny. Starting with Erica's mom, and the two elderly women who live on the island with them, Kit Katt and Tweety, to Erica's best friend Freddie.  Then there is Erica herself. She has tried so hard to reinvent herself, but it seems that nobody in her hometown wants to recognize those changes. In many ways, this is a book about going home and second chances, about seeing events through the eyes of an adult and realizing that maybe, things weren't as bad as you remember them. 

This is my first book by the author, though she was on my radar for another series she has, Sidekick in the City. Of course a superhero book is going to be on my radar. ;)

This was a light-hearted read, that didn't mind poking a bit of fun at itself. Erica and Freddie bumble along, putting no faith in the local police force, and trying to solve it themselves. Needless to say, hi-jinx ensued. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one, due out at the end of August. I gave this book 4 stars.

St. Martin's Press provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Welcome to Otter Lake, where the relaxing, restorative atmosphere is to die for.

Erica Bloom is in no rush to return to Otter Lake, the site of her mother's spiritual retreat for women. Erica met her inner goddess years ago and she's happy to have forged a new identity on her own, thank you very much. But her new-age-y, well-meaning mother is losing her grip on the business, and needs Erica's help. So she heads back to her New Hampshire hometown, where nothing much has changed-except for maybe the body in the well...

SKINNY DIPPING WITH MURDER
When Erica was a teenager, she fell prey to a practical joke that left her near-naked in Otter Lake's annual Raspberry Social. The incident was humiliating, but it wasn't like anyone got killed-until now. Those who were behind that long-ago prank are starting to turn up dead, and Erica's appearance in town makes her a prime suspect. To make matters worse, the town sheriff just happens to be Erica's old nemesis, Grady Forrester...who also happens to be hotter than ever. Can Erica find a way to dig up the truth-before someone digs her grave?

The first book in Auralee Wallace's Otter Lake Mystery series is a killer good time!

    

Series: The Donovan Family, #3
Publisher: Margaret Watson
Published: December 9, 2013
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 268 pages

I don't normally like to read series books out of order. But when I was offered this book from the author, she assured me that it could be read as a stand alone. Since the vast majority of the book is Mac and Lizzy alone together, without family or friends around, there was truth in that statement.

Lizzy had the bad luck of seeing someone killed. Turns out both the person killed and the killer were FBI agents. Unfortunately, Lizzy has not had good personal experiences with the "Blue Line" that all all cops share. And running on no sleep, shock and shear terror, Lizzy grabs what she absolutely has to have, and bolts for safety.  Luckily, Lizzy was able to get away and find safety on an island in Washington state that houses the summer camp she attended back in her youth.  In the middle of winter, with no way to access it, except by boat, it should be a safe place to hide out.

From the first time Lizzy came in to give a statement, Mac was having very inappropriate thoughts about Lizzy. Then when she seemed to just disappear, leaving him with no leads on the death of his partner, Mac got a bit obsessed. It took him a couple of months, and a bit of luck, but he tracked Lizzy down. Now he just has to convince her to trust him when he says believes her and that he will help her.

I liked Lizzy's gutsy-ness and levelheadedness. She thought ahead, played it smart and I really admired her for it. She was the complete antithesis of the TSTL female character. Mac, on the other hand, I didn't really like. I found it really odd. Most of the time, it's the female character I have an issue with. This time it was the male. He came off as a bit of a condescending jerk in the beginning and I just couldn't warm up to him. Then there was their first sex scene, and I was a bit eww-ed out by it. I understand it was a plot device, but still - eww.

I did like the over-all plot and the writing was well done. The dialogue was tight and once Mac and Lizzy were once again in Chicago, the family dynamics were fun and heartwarming. Then there was Lizzy's dog Franny.  The author did a great job of making sure that Franny's needs weren't forgotten and portrayed them in a very realistic way. It's nice to see an author remember that dogs have to be fed, walked and played with. Every. Single. Day. And not just when their needs can be a vehicle to move the plot along. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.  Overall, I enjoyed this read and would tray another in the series. I gave this book a solid 3 stars.

The author provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

After witnessing the murder of an FBI agent in a parking garage late one night, Lizzy Monroe meets with the FBI and agrees to work with a sketch artist. But on her way out of the office, she comes face to face with the killer – another FBI agent. She knows from experience what happens when a criminal is a member of law enforcement – cops protect their own. So when the killer shows up at her door later that morning, she knows she has no choice but to run.

From the moment he sees her, Mac Donovan is intrigued by – and in lust with – their beautiful witness. After Lizzy disappears, he spends his free time tracking her down. When he finally finds her on a remote island in the San Juans, their chemistry is explosive and the sex is even hotter. But he's hiding his identity from her. What will happen when she discovers who he really is? Will she be able to forgive his betrayal? Or will the killer find them first?

    

Series: Cosmos' Gateway, #3
Publisher: Susan E. Smith
Published: February 23, 2016
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
Narrator: Suzanne Elise Freeman

From the first two books, Tansy was the Bell sister I was most interested in reading about. Her sisters, Tink and Hannah, had made her out to be this female James Bondian style character, out doing super secret, save the world type things. It's a toss up whether this is her book or Mak's. By the time we are at the beginning of this book, we have actually gotten to know Mak a little bit, but only know Tansy through her sister's descriptions.

I liked that Mak respected her strength and skill very quickly. He was much less the Alpha-hole his brother was in book 1. For all his super scary tough macho guy facade, he was much more in touch with the female mind.  I think it had to do with his relationships with his mother and sister to be honest. There was a lot of action and suspense going on as Mak and Tansy are playing cat and mouse with some really evil bad guys. There was still some over the top, ultra convenient moments that happened occasionally, but the story also has some strong fantasy elements, and I decided to suspend believe and just go with it. Overall, the action was well plotted and flowed really well.  You can definitely see the progression of the author's writing skills from book 1.

I am glad that I have stuck with this series; it just keeps getting better and better. I gave this book 4 stars.

Audiobook Jukebox and Blackstone Audio provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

From a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of science fiction and paranormal romance comes another story full of action, adventure, and suspense to transport listeners out of this world. Tansy, the middle daughter of the three Bell sisters, has always been a little different, even for a Bell. Like a chameleon, she can change her appearance and personality to blend in almost anywhere, and she uses this talent to bring to justice some of the worst criminals in the world.

Mak 'Tag Krell Manok is the wild one of his four brothers. He is known for his huge size, hot temper, fierce strength, and skills as a warrior. Few men in any galaxy dare to challenge him and live. Frustrated by his failure to find females compatible with a Prime male, he returns to his home world only to discover his oldest brother has found his bond mate in an unusual species known as a human. What is even more astonishing is Mak's reaction to an image of the sister of his brother's bond mate.

Mak has set a new course for Earth and for Tansy, the female who stirs his blood to fire. But first he has to find her. Next he has to convince her she belongs to him. And if all else fails, he will just take her. After all, she is delicate and fragile - no match for a Prime warrior. What Mak doesn't expect is to find her in trouble and fighting for her life. Now he must save her before it is too late. But even then there is no guarantee that she will come with him, for this small, fragile female has the strength and determination of 20 Prime males and values her independence.

Mak is about to learn that big trouble can come in very small packages and that there is one person in the universe not afraid to stand up to him - even if she is afraid to love him. Can he keep her alive long enough to realize she is the perfect mate for an untamed warrior, or will the men determined to kill her take not only her life but his as well?

     

Series: Cosmos' Gateway, #4
Publisher: Susan E. Smith
Published: February 23, 2016
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins
Narrator: Suzanne Elise Freeman

After my enjoyment of the last book, Tansy's Titan, I was really looking forward to see what would happen with Cosmos.  The last book had strongly hinted at Cosmos and Terra being bond mates, so I was eager to see what/how it would happen.

As Terra is a female from Baade, I was a little bit surprised at how fiesty she was. After all, she is from a male dominated society that has so few females, they are looking outside their own species for mates. Of course, she also had an older brother who taught her to defend herself, so that helped to strengthen her spine.

Cosmos on the other hand, was a bit of a shock. We had only really seen him through the eyes of the Bell females. They saw him as a tech geek who had some dough due to his inventions. But once we get into the story we actually find out he is more a cross between Batman and Iron Man, with his money, his gadgets and his fighting abilities...  What's the male version of the Mary Sue?  Okay, so he wasn't, but there were moments I as just like, "of course he did. *sigh*"

Overall this was a pretty good book.  It gave us more insight into the world of Baade, and moved the story arc ahead. I just wish Cosmos hadn't been so damn perfect. He really needed a few more flaws to make him a more rounded character. I gave this book 3 stars.

Audiobook Jukebox and Blackstone Audio provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author S. E. Smith brings another action-, adventure-, and suspense-filled story to transport listeners out of this world.

Cosmos Raines is considered one of the most brilliant inventors in the world. A prodigy, he is a self-made billionaire who would rather be in his lab than jet-setting around the world. Things change when his latest experiment literally opens a gateway into a whole new world. Now not only has his best friend and her family moved to a new star system through the gateway he has opened but he finds himself with a warehouse full of alien guests, including one very aggravating female who has turned him inside out.

Terra 'Tag Krell Manok has spent her life in the shadows of her three older brothers. Her home world of Baade is a male-dominated world where females are few in number and protected to the point of captivity. Terra's father is the high chancellor of the Prime and considered the fiercest warrior of their world, next to her brothers. No one defies him and lives. Terra is surprised when her father suddenly sends her through the gateway into hiding to protect her from a clan insisting that she be mated for political purposes. The last thing she expects to find there is her bond mate - in the form of a human male.

Cosmos may not have been expecting to find the woman of his dreams on the other side of the gateway he built, but he knows one thing for sure: No one is going to take her away from him - not the clan who wants to use her nor her father, who thinks all human males are worthless. When she is taken from him, he will use every bit of his intelligence and ingenuity to not only track her down but steal her back. He will prove that a human male can be just as much a warrior as a Prime one, especially when it involves the woman he loves.

     

 

Series: The Dragon Chronicles, #3
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Published: March 30, 2016
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Length: 293 pages

I was so excited to be offered this book. The first two were quite good and I was eager to see where things were headed. This time, the story centered around Lindy's bond mate, Ewain and her roommate Marrissa.  Both are Healers and close friends of Lindy. Their story was intertwined with Lindy and Alex's exploration of her dragon realm.

I thought things were fast paced in early books, but things really started cooking in this one. Couples started pairing off right and left, while more and more creatures came forward to answer the Dragon's call.

I stated with the first book that I had an idea about the villian in this trilogy. Yeah, I was wrong, but the truth was more fantastical than anything I could have come up with.

There was a moral, not so delicately hidden, in this story about acceptance and tolerance.  But it's a message that I didn't mind getting, as it was told with some pizzazz. The ending was sweet and really brought the story to a nice conclusion.

I enjoyed this trilogy and can happily recommend it to just about anyone. There was some fighting in the final battle, but nothing too violent or graphic. Since it is a clean romance, with strong fantasy elements, it is suitable for just about any age range.  I really enjoyed it and gave it 4 stars.

The author provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ewain Douglass and Marissa Mays are dedicated healers who work together, and live together, in tight confines. Too bad they set sparks off each other. They might struggle to remain professional to each other, but they’re working on it. Then the enemy sets his sight on the unmated, and targets Marissa with a vengeance.

Meanwhile, Lindy and Alex, the dragon and her controller, are still seeking to learn all they can about their abilities and their future. They tremble once they learn the identity of an enemy no one wants to face. One only the dragon has a chance to defeat.

The dragon has called her allies together and many have come. Paranym soon becomes crowded with family members of students and faculty alike as a battle for their very lives looms.

Ewain and Marissa don’t have time to declare war on each other. They’re too busy trying to stay alive for Paranym’s future... and their own.

   

Series: Snowbirds, #2
Publisher: Estrella Publishing
Published: March 12, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 168

As I have become woman of a certain age, (*cough* over 40 *cough*), many of the problems of women in their twenties no longer relate to me. I find myself drawn to more mature characters, though good luck trying to find them. I was intrigued when I stumbled across the first book in a series by a new to me author, Catalina and the Winter Texan. The male on the cover had gray in his hair. I was like "What?!" So of course, I had to take a closer look. Both protagonists are widowed, and not sure about taking a second chance on love, and a possible long distance one at that. It was a quick read, and I gave it 3 stars and posted a quick review on goodreads and amazon. Imagine my surprise when the author wrote me and offered me the next book. Obviously I said yes.

We met Esmeralda and Hank in the first book, and they were minor secondary characters.  In this book, we see those same scenes, now through their eyes. I do believe that this book would work as a stand alone if you aren't interested in the first one.

There was quite a bit of tension based on Esme's inexperience in relationships and the dating world. Additionally, Hank wasn't really looking to settle down, so much as a find someone who would enjoy doing the same things he enjoys doing. Misunderstandings and differences in culture, added even more tension to this book.  This book had a richer and deeper tone than the first, mainly I believe due to Hank being a more flawed character than the male protagonist from the first book.

I appreciated the realistic issues that were addressed for the more mature audience I believe it is targeted toward. I enjoyed this read and will happily stick around for the next book.  I gave this 3 stars.

The author provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

What’s a forty-year-old virgin doing in a predicament like this? Looking for a husband but not because she wants one. Shy and inexperienced, Esmeralda Garcia is terrified to be dating and would rather stay at home with her three cats. But her late father’s will decrees she must marry within three years or forfeit her orchard, her only means of support.

Hank McCall, as a romantic prospect, leaves a great deal to be desired. Twice divorced and older than Esmeralda, he wants to enjoy his semi-retirement and avoid being entangled in a long-term relationship again.

Scarred by their pasts and challenged by the gap in their ages, Esmeralda and Hank struggle with their mutual attraction and growing affection. When Hank is faced with losing Esmeralda or surrendering to her yearning to have a real family, their fates hang in the balance.

    

Series: The Emerging Queens, #3
Publisher: Entangled: Select Otherworld
Published: May 23, 2016
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 250 pages

Jamie Schmidt started out as an unknown to me author, when I picked up The Queen's Wings. I had such a fantastic time with that book, that I didn't even bother to read the blurb when The Queen's Flight came out.  Now, the third book in this exciting series has come out and once again, I had a fantastic reading experience.

This book starts up immediately following events in the end of The Queen's Flight.  Once again, we have another newly emerged Queen in trouble. Margery was an investigative journalist who hid the fact that she was a Queen. At least she did until she got caught while she was doing some clandestine investigating on a story concerning dragons and a corrupt corporation run by them.

Remy is our first introduction to water dragons, and finding out that his mother is Nessie, the Lochness Monster, was totally cool. Thinking of the movie, The Water Horse, I was totally able to picture our yummy Remy. I don't think the book was specific about his accent, but I totally heard one in my head, lol!

As before, this book had me giggling and reading specific lines of dialogue out loud to enjoy testing the feel of the words.  For example, the following takes place shortly after Margery rescue.  Remy is trying to care for her, and being very formal and politic about his duties to a Queen on his territory. Margery, on the other hand, is a modern career woman who wants nothing to do with the political headaches and dramas of being a Queen. Their clashes had me grinning with glee.

Remy sighed. “I’m sorry, my Queen.”
“Knock that shit right off,” she told him.
He blinked at her.
“I’m Margery. Just plain Margery.” They glared at each other for a moment, until she looked down. “I’m sorry if I snapped at you.”
“Queens don’t apologize,” he said through his teeth.
“I just told you I’m not a Queen.”
“Yes, you are. I saw you. Although you looked like a plucked chicken rather than a dragon.”
“Up yours,” Margery said. “Stick you in a cargo hold for a few weeks and see what you look like.”

Netgalley and Entangled Publishing provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Despite his handicaps outside his natural habitat, water dragon Remy “Champ” Champlain fights to protect Queen Margery from those who plot to quash her damaging news reports by silencing her... forever.

He can never have her, but he'll protect her with his life.

After newly shifted sky dragon Queen Margery is rescued from smugglers by water dragon Remy Champlain, she debates whether to flesh out the story that nearly got her killed or embrace her royalty and build a court of protectors and studs. Sparks fly between Remy and her. He’d love her to give up her job and settle down…hopefully with him…but he can’t fly and she can’t swim, so their relationship can never get off the ground.

    

Series: Alpha Ops, #3
Publisher: Swerve
Published: April 5, 2016
Genre: Military Romance Novella
Length: 115 pages

This lovely little gem is the third book in a series by Anne Calhoun. I discovered the author through a review by Anna over at Herding Cats and Burning Soup. The books are all novellas, so they are quick reads. However, they are jam packed with all the goodness of a full length novel.

Specifically for this book, I was excited to see the theme was second chance at love that didn't originally end in some kind of serious heartache. Charlie and Jamie didn't hook up in high school and end up separated over some stupid drama trauma. They separated because Charlie had goals and dreams and ambitions that she wanted to give her very best to achieving. Were there also some personal demons and issues? Of course, but without misunderstandings from any of the aforementioned drama trauma, the bulk of the story quickly dives into them now. Oh there were some before memories, but they were more about how far they come then rehashing old grievances.

There was a bit of a mention of the characters from the prior 2 books, but more in passing than anything else. This totally works as a stand alone. I was able to quickly consume this book in one sitting, and left the book with a bit of a lump in my throat, and a smile on my face. I had a wonderful time and can't wait to get the next book in the series. I gave this 4 stars, a very high rating for a novella.

Netgalley and St. Martin's Press provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The third in the Alpha Ops novella series that features an alpha Navy SEAL and the girl he thought he'd lost forever.

In high school, basketball star Charlotte Stannard and Navy SEAL Jamie Hawthorn were everything but lovers. They shared a ruthlessly competitive spirit and relentless drive, but Charlie, afraid of the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy at seventeen, drove Jamie away. But now Jamie's back in town for the banquet to honor the basketball coach, and finds Charlie, newly home from a successful career in the European leagues and coaching the girls' team. The flames between them are hotter than ever, but Charlie believes Jamie just wants what he couldn't have when they were kids. Jamie's not just playing to win. He's playing for Charlie's heart, forever.

    

Series: Bodies of Art, #1
Publisher: Henery Press
Published: February 2nd 2016
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Length: 194 pages

Cozy Mysteries are one of my favorite genres. Maybe it's the years spent watching Murder She Wrote, Diagnosis Murder, Matlock and Dr. Quincy, MD with my grandparents, but they remain one of my favorite genres. And I am always on the look out for my next great cozy mystery to read.

The cover looked interesting, and I do enjoy reading cozies about art. I hadn't read anything by this author before, but Henery Press hasn't let me down yet, so I decided to give this book a try.

I was intrigued from the first that I picked it up. It read so quickly, that I was done almost before I was ready for it. The style reminded be very much of those 1960's, you know the ones where the women and men all dressed in posh, stylish outfits, yet still managed to kick some butt. Except this was updated for present day. I guess what I am trying to say, was that it just felt classy, yet current. I really quite enjoyed it and gave it 4 solid stars.

Netgalley and Henery Press provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Laurel Beacham may have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she has long since lost it digging herself out of trouble. Her father gambled and womanized his way through the family fortune before skiing off an Alp, leaving her with more tarnish than trust fund. Quick wits and connections have gained her a reputation as one of the world’s premier art recovery experts. The police may catch the thief, but she reclaims the missing masterpieces.

The latest assignment, however, may be her undoing. Using every ounce of luck and larceny she possesses, Laurel must locate a priceless art icon and rescue a co-worker (and ex-lover) from a master criminal, all the while matching wits with a charming new nemesis. Unfortunately, he seems to know where the bodies are buried—and she prefers hers isn’t next.

    

Series: Bodies of Art, #2
Publisher: Henery Press
Published: February 2, 2016
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Length: 199 pages


After reading, and sincerely enjoying, Counterfeit Conspiracies, I was eager to start Marked Masters. However, other commitments kept me from diving in right away. I found that a mixed blessing, mainly because it gave me time to really digest the first book, but also to know that I was going to need to set aside time to properly read this one. With the first book I got lucky; I had a nice chuck of uninterrupted time to really get into the book without any worrying about distractions. I didn't have the going into the second book right away. It took me a couple of tries, but I finally got a chance to really dive in and enjoy this book.

We start shortly after the conclusion of events in book 1. It quickly becomes apparent that there is an overall series mystery, in addition to the one that is the focus of the book. And though the book maintained it's retro-classic feel, I really enjoyed the updated feminist power of our heroine saving not only herself, but the hero as well.  Who says we need a man to save us? Two thumbs up for Girl Power!

Although most cozies are written with a lighter tone, I did enjoy the more drama based feel for these books. Not that they weren't humorous; there were several spots that I couldn't help but giggle with evil glee at Laurel's shenanigans. It's just that the books had a more weighty feel, most probably aided by the international locations in the book. This was once again a 4 star read.

Netgalley and Henery Press provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Laurel Beacham made working solo a personal success story and is known for her nerve, instincts, and ability to do whatever necessary to return each priceless masterpiece safely intact. As the world’s leading art recovery expert, she’s thwarted more heists than the average law enforcement professional. Museums applaud her skills. Thieves admire the cunning way she operates.

Her last job landed her the head position over the London branch of Beacham Foundation, but bringing one case to a close only opened a bigger one. More importantly, the new case inextricably ties her to Jack Hawkes, a man smart enough to be her equal but who keeps her trust meter firmly in the red zone. Trying to stop a rumored heist of the century, the pair leap headlong into a plot that gets more dangerous and illusive by the minute. The clock counts down as the bodies and forgeries stack up.

    

 

Series: Sequel to Cowboy-Fiancé
Genre:  Western Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc
Published: September 9th 2015
Length:  244 pages

I was originally taken in by the cover, after all the dog tags and a title promised me  a double threat - military and cowboy. Plus the blurb sounded pretty good.  So I was so disappointed when I just couldn't get into the book. I put it down and picked it up multiple times, thinking maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind, but nothing seemed to work. Finally at 56% I called it quits and DNF'ed the book.

My biggest beef with the book is that there was very little dialogue between anyone else besides Trisha and Brett. Anytime they interacted with anyone else besides just each other, the scene was sharply condensed and summarized. And they really don't spend enough time together to carry us when they weren't together.

Over all I was totally bummed that this book didn't capture my attention the way I had hoped.

Netgalley and The Wild Rose Press provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Former Marine Captain Brett Brennan loves a good practical joke—when he’s the prankster not the prankee. Unfortunately, his twin brother has learned a lesson or two from the master and springs Operation Payback on him, thrusting Brett into a fake engagement to his former corporal, Trisha Jennings, in front of her matchmaking, District Attorney father.

Relationships are so not his thing, but realizing Trisha is struggling to come to terms with a horrific incident from their recent deployment, Brett takes matters into his own hands, using their fake relationship to keep her on his family’s resort ranch, the perfect place for her to find peace and heal. After all, he would never let one of his own men down.

Except, Trisha is no longer a corporal under his command. Out of uniform, she is all woman, and his unexpected attraction to her soon has him forgetting their prank relationship is only for show. Who knew payback could be so sweet?