ARC REVIEW The Wrong Highlander by Lynsay Sands

Highland Brides #7, Lynsay Sands is a great author in whatever she writes and her books are fun to read; at one point the Buchanan brothers were standing around joking that the same stuff keeps happening to them that it's always money or madness that goes after them. Her women are strong willed and in this case with Evina MacLean, who has lead the family and the clan ever since her mother died and her father distanced himself from everything and even trains the younger soldiers, she's more than just emotionally strong. She's not afraid to take charge and get what needs to be done done. So when her father falls ill and nothing is working she seeks out the healer Rory Buchanan.

Conran Buchanan is the middle child and he has always been there for his brothers and sister when they need him, he is a jack of all trade but master of none. After a long day of collecting herbs for Rory one day he takes the time to wash away the day in a nearby waterfall when he's attacked and knocked unconscious. When he wakes up he's still naked and on MacLean land they are also calling him Rory, to save his brother from the same fate he plays along good thing he knows just enough to help the Laird MacLean.

Maclean as soon as he's better manipulates a situation in which Conran is caught compromising Evi. Sadly, Evi is shot with an arrow and his plan doesn't go as smoothly as he wanted. Conran's brother show up and the truth comes out and while everyone around is pushing for their marriage Conran is willing to go through the wedding because he genuinely like Evi he'll only go through it if that's what she wants too. So he has a couple of weeks before all his brothers arrive to woo Evi. Unfortunately the arrow to Evi's chest isn't the only attempt on her life and the Buchanans go on high alert to protect Evi and try and capture the culprit.

Overall, this was a fun and exciting read from a master at her trade. Her historicals and her paranormals always exceed my expectations. The characters are all loveable and easy to sympathize with. She creates situations that are humorous and intense with a great narrative and a picturesque setting.       

ARC REVIEW Warrior Nights by Sheryl Nantus

 Odin's Bastards #2, I love Norse Mythology so the idea of Valkyries really appealed to me. The first half of the book was slow getting to the point, it establishes Liam and Kara's relationship past and present while Kara tries to remember who she is but other than that nothing much happens. The second half of the book picks up it has lots of action, suspense everything is revealed and  it has a really nice ending.

Liam was a paid assassin until he had his come to Jesus moment after that he dropped everything, gave all his blood money away and started his life over determined to make up for his past misdeeds. Liam found himself in a quaint little mountain town he became a jack of all trades and became Jack. One dark and stormy night that all changed, Kara shows up on his doorstep. If you have read the first book you can guess why Kara is all alone with no memory and only brief glimpses of a man she once knew, for the rest of us newbs we don't figure it out until much later.

Kara and Liam met a year ago and spent a week together, one long sex capade. Liam worked hard to cover his tracks and is at first leery when Kara shows up, but that soon changes to desire and they both give. Together they work in peace for a while until the group Liam use to work with shows up now Liam and Kara have to protect the town from them and brave a snow storm.

Overall despite the really slow beginning it ended well and the characters were great. This can be read as a stand alone, thankfully. The narrative was intriguing; the slow beginning was mysterious I wanted to find out what had happened. I am glad I didn't give up because the ending really paid off. I liked the build up of the relationship between Kara and Liam because you see that it's more than the physical attraction; they give into it fairly quickly but they also connect on a deeper level they trust each other and genuinely like each other despite their pasts and will stand by each other through thick and thin.   

ARC REVIEW Bound by Danger by Danielle M. Haas

 The premise of this book intrigued me. The forbidden love between an FBI agent and a woman who is a possible suspect, missing girls and a white slavery ring, yeah, it sounded good. Haas is a new author for me so I was taking a bit a leap here. Didn't really pan out like I thought. It was entertaining but the biggest problem was Mickey, at times, was very idiotic. She bordered on TSTL, and I don't use that term lightly, she's a possible suspect so what does she do she interferes in the investigation, withholds evidence, contaminates a crime scene, and interferes with a witness it's a good thing Graham liked her I would have locked her up. Granted there wouldn't be much of a story without all her screw ups.

Mickey week just keeps getting worse and worse, first her plane gets hijacked only to be thwarted by a gorgeous FBI agent then she finds out her god daughter was kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend, Pete, who is a known white slaver, and now the FBI, in particular the hot FBI agent who saved the day, thinks she played a part in her god daughter's disappearance. Little Becca was kidnapped, she was the third girl to go missing what stood out in her case is that she was the only one who knew the abductor. What made her so special that Pete was willing to risk his whole operation by giving Mickey his real name? Because once the FBI had his real name they were able to piece together everything else.

Overall, it was an okay read. I didn't feel the chemistry between the two characters. The whole forbidden relationship seemed a little forced and Graham showed almost no self control when it came to her. The attraction was visceral but lacked substance. And the ending was a little predictable it still wrapped up nicely though. It wasn't bad the writing well paced, the suspense was satisfactory, and the overall plot was good I just really didn't like Mickey. I would be willing to read more of Haas' books.     

ARC REVIEW Outbreak Task Force series by Julie Rowe

Outbreak Task Force #1, I was offered the opportunity to read the second book and the ARC for the third book so I took it upon myself to buy and read the first book. I really enjoyed this one not only did it take place in Texas but my home town, El Paso. This one leans more to the suspense side but the romance was really good the attraction and the chemistry between them was palpable. I was new to Julie Rowe before this point and didn't know what to expect, after this one I was excited to read the next two. It was kind of like reading Outbreak (you know the 1995 movie) but with more explosions and a little more heavier on the romance. It was very fast-paced, very intense with great characters.

Sergeant Walter River, Special Forces combat medic, gets called in to help the CDC in medical emergency, when he arrives at one of the hospitals in El Paso he discovers chaos. A microorganism has been released and is spreading, River's job is to assist microbiologist Dr. Ava Lloyd in tracking down the source and help contain the spread of the outbreak before it spread outside the busy border town.

Overall, I loved this book. The only thing that kind of disappointed me was the lack of description when it came to the setting. It had very generic descriptions and it could have taken place anywhere nothing really stood out and said, "This is El Paso". But it's my hometown I'm gonna be picky.


        

Outbreak Task Force #2, Another great book. In this one the romance plays a more prodomainte part. The outbreak isn't in full force yet and the characters have sometime to build up their relationship before all hell breaks loose. Sergeant Lyle Smoke was just discharged from the Army, his buddy and fellow former Special Forces soldier offer him a job with the joint task force between Homeland Security and the CDC, the Outbreak Task Force, but before Smoke makes any decisions he needs to go home first. When he gets home he doesn't find a peaceful rest he finds a CDC nurse in need of help.

Kini Kerek was just supposed to do some field research for the CDC before they decide what to do, if the natural antibodies of the Hantavirus are capable of containing itself or if the CDC needs to step in a create a cure. But Kini is met with open hostility and rumors spreading that she's conducting experiments, death threats keyed into her car and physical attacks have her bosses send someone to help luckily he already calls the place home and with Smoke's knowledge of the area and the people it should make things easier. Until the Hantavirus starts affecting more and more people the next thing they know it's a full blown outbreak and the rest of the Task force is called in. But it's a little too convenient that this outbreak happened right when Kini showed up and now Kini and Smoke need to find out why before it's too late.

Overall, a great read. Fantastic writing and and ending I wasn't expecting. A little more descriptive setting than the last book and it really helped paint a nice picture when they were in the desert. The romance between Smoke and Kini was really nice, I loved that it was practically instantaneous Smoke had some emotional baggage but Kini was able to help him work through it and it was a real nice HEA.



Outbreak Task Force #3, The newest of the series and it is outstanding! Going from CDC home base in Atlanta and to New Orleans and back again this action packed romance is a great read. Former Doctor Without Borders doctor Gunner Anderson does not suffer fools gladly, and because of that he's already gone through 3 partners. This is his last chance to prove he can work with someone so his boss partners him up with the woman he's had a crush on since they met CDC nurse, former combat medic, Joy Oshiro.

For Joy it was hard not to notice Gunner, just around the office she noticed his surly attitude got slightly better after coffee and something to eat, usually anything pumpkin flavored so going into this partnership she used this knowledge to her advantage; her take no shit straightforward attitude helped too. Their first case together ends up quite a doozy, a frat house full of sick kids and one dead. Soon another house full of sick kids and more dead and another that only connection the keg. With the CDC stretched thin with a number of other outbreaks around the globe Joy and Gunner are left to track down and stop this outbreak before it gets any further but just when they think they have it figured out it gets much worse.

Overall, a great read. Joy and Gunner have to deal with not just the outbreak but for their feelings for each other and working together. They each have emotional baggage to deal with and they are both very aware what hurting the other will do and Joy especially has to realize it's worth the risk of loving each other. There is a continuing story arc in the series but each book can be read as a stand alone.   
 

ARC REVIEW Crave the Heat by Marnee Blake

 The Smokejumpers #2, This can be read as a standalone. The two main characters in this book have quite a bit of baggage and throw in the suspense and you have a good read. It didn't jump out and catch my attention like I hoped it would but it wasn't bad. It went along at a steady pace the suspense and action were very good the romance is what got me. Dak and Heidi's attraction was pretty much instantaneous but Heidi moved to Oregon to escape her past, her ex and all the grief that relationship caused so she's pretty hesitant to get involved with someone again especially someone who such a high risk job. Dak has family drama up the wazoo, back home for the first time after ten years and the first time he sees his father it's only because his father needs him to do something and thinks he can manipulate Dak, he's very wrong about that. The romance, it was pretty hot and heavy at times but Heidi's wishy washy, back and forth actions got old quick, after the second time you just want to smack her upside the head and say, "it's a good thing".

Dak is a smokejumper he gets roped into acting as a liaison between the reservation and the forest services. Heidi is new to the arson investigator position here and she doesn't know a lot of people when first assigned a liaison she's a bit put off but the hottie ends up really helping her by introducing her to people who could actually help her. For Dak the series of fires happening on the reservation is personal and even though he knows who might be behind this he tries to fix it himself instead of informing Heidi and the local authorities. Which in the end causes a big rift between him and Heidi.

Overall, this was a good read. I really enjoyed the climactic conclusion to the events and when Dak and Heidi were together and she wasn't running scared I liked them together.   

ARC REVIEW How to Blackmail a Highlander by Michelle McLean

The MacGregor Lairds #3, This was a fun read and although I missed the first two books I was able to jump into this one no problem. Lady Alice is ready to fulfill  her duty and get married and have babies what Alice doesn't want is to marry the discusting old geezer who, if the rumor is believed, murdered his last three wives for not producing an heir. Alice's best friend, Elizabet was in a similar situation and managed to avoid it by running away with a Scottish highwayman, Laird John MacGregor, who was banished from England. When Alice finally gets word that her friend is safe she does the only thing she can think of to get out of her situation, she blackmails the messenger.

Philip MacGregor isn't any ordinary messenger he's a cousin, best friend, and the right hand man to the notorious Highland Highwayman. With their robbing days behind them mainly because the banishment and John's marriage to Elizabet, they have set up in Scotland. Phillip can still travel from England to Scotland no problem so when asked to deliver a message to Alice he has no problem doing so until she blackmails him into taking her with him, try as he may he can't get rid of her. Cue the travel hijinx.

The attraction is there from the beginning but the connection between the two of them grows stronger the more time they spend together and the more they argue. Philip loves to argue with Alice and loves that she's a challenge and no push over he just wishes she would stop and think about what's she doing first, she has the tendency to act first, think later.  Alice is so use to getting her own way that when the consequences of her action finally catch up she realizes it's exactly what Philip warned her would happen but Philip doesn't say I told you so, no, at that point he loves her too much to do that. Alice and Philip don't seem like a match made in heaven but in this case it's opposites attract.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. Some of the stuff they argue over is so funny. The writing was great the narrative swept me away to Scotland, it has a good story and wonderful characters you really sympathize with. It was a first time reading this author and I look forward to reading more.   

ARC REVIEW Now or Never by Victoria Denault

San Francisco Thunder #4, Even though this is a SF Thunder book is does lean more toward just being a straight Contemporary Romance than a Sports Romance. The last Braddock sister finally finds her true HEA and it's not with anyone we have previously met. I loved how emotional charged this book is compared to the others, it's all about grieving and starting over again.

Winnie is grieving differently than her siblings, she finally come to the realization she couldn't be happy with her boyfriend of ten years especially after he cheated on her so she did what she should have done two years ago and dumped him. Now all she wants is to be left alone where she can drown her sorrow and grieve in peace without her siblings butting in. But doing this in the family summer home was disrupted when Holden Hendricks sets up right outside and starts the renovations her brother had secretly planned.

Holden didn't leave town his childhood hometown on a good not when he was a teenager. He was an angry kid in need of attention after his mother died and he got into all sorts of trouble that eventually landed him in juvie. Since then he's worked hard first with construction and worked his way up to contractor. The whole reason he moved back home was to be closer to his older sister and her son but it's a bridge he burned a long time ago and rebuilding it is harder than he hoped. He's hoping that if the renovations and remodeling of homes will help people see him in a different light especially the Braddock sibling he teased mercilessly and who also happened to be is favorite, Winnie.

The attraction is strong with these two it's practically been simmering beneath the surface since they were kids. Holden is hesitant for a lot of reasons, Winnie just broke up with her really long time boyfriend and is grieving but mostly she hates him. Winnie as much as she wants to hate Holden he is a different person from when he was younger he wants to make things right with the people he hurt and Winnie believes in him. But there are obstacles for them to get over mostly ones they created themselves.

Overall, a very emotional book and a really hot romance. I loved Winnie and Holden they are just perfect for each other. There is some hockey so it's not entirely devoid of sports. This book had funny moments, hot encounters, and plenty of emotion. I'd love to see some more of the SF Thunder boys get their own book.

ARC REVIEW 1001 Dark Nights: Ashes to Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan

Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs #2.5, From the last book I kind of knew Ryan and Abby were meant for each other. This is a quick read novella but Carrie Ann Ryan still manages to pack all her emotional angsty stuff and her hotter than hell romance into such a little package. Abby whose past is an open book among their group of friends and  Ryan a new friend but already part of the family whose past isn't as easy to read.

Friends first Ryan and Abby start to show signs of a mutual attraction after Ryan rescues Abby and her daughter from a snowbank. Abby conflicted because her first love, Max, she lost before they could even get married. Ryan is pretty sure Abby is the woman for him but his past is standing in the way, especially when his past shows back up and threatens to ruin everything good Ryan has done for himself.

Overall, I loved this it was short and hot. Ryan and Abby burn up the sheets, their chemistry is outstanding. I especially liked the shy awkwardness between them when Ryan first asks her out it was sweet. Of course you have all the emotion that pours out of them confessing things they never told anyone else it grabs you and twist you up, yep Carrie Ann Ryan excels at that. 

ARC REVIEW Demon's Mercy by Rebecca Zanetti

Dark Protectors #9, Logan! Finally Logan and boy does he meet his match, toe to toe practically the whole way Mercy is no push over. Even as number 9 in the series it can be read as a standalone but if you want more background for this story arc you would really only have to read the one before it, Vampire's Faith. This story arc deals with one very very big bad one that has the potential to end so much but before he breaks out and spreads havak the super secret group, The Seven, that put him away in the first place must replace it's missing members and finally kill big bad. One has been filled, Garret Karys, he barely made it through the ritual and now they are just waiting for the perfect opportunity to have Logan Kyllwood go through the same ritual and hope he too makes it through alive.

The Seven are about to face a foe they have never fought before, instead of just fighting the Kurjans and their high priests the Cysts who are hell bent on freeing big bad they are now fighting the Fae nation. It's not as intimidating as it sounds their numbers are far fewer but they also have technologies and abilities no one in the Realm has seen before. Mercy O'Malley doesn't agree with the way her people are handling this, so she kidnaps Logan instead of outright killing him and tries to explain what the Seven is doing is wrong but in typical Zanetti fashion everything goes FUBAR. One touch, one bite, one sip of his blood and suddenly Logan's mating mark is burning his hand and demanding he take Mercy as his mate.

One positive thing about reading the previous book, especially the spin-off Realm Enforcers, is you really get to see what fun loving and a jokester Logan is and you get to see how finding his mate and fulfilling his destiny matures him. Logan goes full on Alpha male "Me Tarzan, You Jane" kind of moments and it's funny and aggravating all at the same time to have Mercy fighting with him almost the whole way. The whole Fae Nation is pretty obstinate and it makes Mercy's stubborn look open minded. Fucking Fae.

Overall, I really enjoyed Mercy and Logan. If you are already a fan of Zanetti you'll enjoy it and if you are new and you have a thing for a Neanderthal-ish main character and a loyal and adamant fae who's going to do her own thing anyway mixed with lots of fight scenes, a few double crosses, and some really hot romance there's a really good chance you'll enjoy this one. I have been a fan of Zanetti's for a while now and I always enjoy her writing she writes her action and suspense so well, she really know how to build the tension and her romance and sex are so freakin' hot. I can't wait for the rest of the series, Garret is going to be just like his dad and I'm anxious to find out about Hope and the rest of her story.        

ARC REVIEW Cowboy Wolf Trouble by Kait Ballenger

 Seven Range Shifters #1, "Seven shifter clans call the Montana mountains home. But a new evil will stop at nothing to tear their world apart."

With a blurb intro like that how could a PNR fan like myself not be interested in this book?! And the title Cowboys and Shifters, I mean come on it's just asking to be read. Unfortunately it wasn't as good as I hoped, don't get me wrong there was nothing bad about it it just didn't grab my attention, I was easily distracted while reading and I was indifferent to the characters, I didn't feel any connection to them especially the secondary characters. I liked the concept of seven different shifter clans secreted away in the wilds of Montana and the action, the fight scenes, were really done well I enjoyed those.

Wes was once the Alpha of a renegade pack, but after a betrayal of the worst kind he abdicated his birthright and swore fealty to the Grey Wolves alpha. Three years later he still feels like an outsider and that no one trust him even the Alpha dismisses his concerns that his former pack is up to something. Naomi Evans is a biologist who inherited her father's ranch and she is struggling to keep it especially now with her sheep mysteriously dying. Blaming the local wolves seems convenient until she catches one in a trap and he turns into a man. Wes knows the wolves aren't responsible for her sheep it isn't until she explains how they died that he puts two and two together. Now Wes must work to keep his new pack and the woman he's fallen in love with alive even if that means breaking every rule.


Overall, it was an okay read. I liked the idea of the book but the characters didn't do it for me.

COVER REVEAL Solitude by A.K. Evans

Today We have the gorgeous cover reveal for A.K. Evans upcoming romance, Solitude. Check out the reveal today and be sure to pre-order your copy before the release February 12^th!

Title: Solitude

Author: A.K. Evans

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Day: February 12^th

About Solitude:

Lorenzo De Luca’s troubled past has left him a shell of a man. The blood that runs through his veins feels toxic. Determined to not let history repeat itself, Lorenzo vows to protect others from the violence that lives inside him.   

But when Jolie Moore literally stumbles into his arms and his life, Lorenzo finds himself captivated by her larger-than-life personality. Jolie’s pull is strong, making it difficult for him to keep his promise. It’s hard to resist the urge to connect with the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve, but Lorenzo knows he needs to lock his heart away to keep her safe.   Because his legacy has the power to destroy.   

Jolie’s never been one to back down from a challenge, and her resolve to help him heal is strong. Lorenzo is wary, already content having found peace in solitude. But it isn’t long before Jolie shows him that he’s shielded others from a man who only has the capacity to love.

Pre-Order Today!

Exclusive Excerpt:

Pulling my phone out, I saw Ava had sent several texts.
OMG. I found the perfect guy for you. He’s not blonde and he’s really, really tall.A second text followed that.
Jojo, this man.I started laughing until I continued on to her third text.
I just approached him.
Oh no. I was going to kill her. I knew this once I read her fourth and fifth text.
He’s single. I’ve confirmed it. He seems like he could be interested in a good time.
And he’s nice.
I finally responded.
What is wrong with you?
She replied almost instantly.
Nothing. Get over here. I’m still over by the bar. I’ll just make a quick introduction and skedaddle to our reserved area.
I let out a sigh. As I walked over, I came up with a game plan. I figured if the guy was hot and seemed nice enough, I could have a drink with him. If not, I’d blame my inability to chat on needing to not ditch my co-workers.
When the area of the bar where Ava and I had been sitting earlier came into view, I thought my eyes had to be deceiving me. Ava’s back was to me as she was rambling on about something, likely me, to the man next to her. I had to give her credit. The guy was gorgeous. He wasn’t blonde and he was tall. There was one small problem, though.
The man was Lorenzo.
I took in a deep breath, let it out, and moved over to her.
“…and it’s been a while for her. I just want her to have a good time tonight,” Ava said until she stopped speaking because Lorenzo was no longer paying attention to her.
He caught sight of me, ran his eyes over the length of my body until they settled on my face, and never returned his attention to my outspoken friend.
Ava noticed he was distracted and turned around to find me standing there.
“Here she is,” she declared. “Jojo, this is…I’m sorry, what’s your name?”
“Lorenzo.”
“Right, sorry,” she muttered. “Jojo, this is Lorenzo. And Lorenzo, this is my friend, Jolie. Everyone calls her Jojo.”
I looked to Lorenzo and asked, “Would you excuse us one second?”
He gave me a nod.
I grabbed Ava’s hand and dragged her a few feet away as she called out to him, “Save her seat!”
When we’d moved out of earshot of Lorenzo, I leaned in and seethed, “What did you say to him?”
Oblivious to what she’d just done, she was grinning from ear to ear. “First, I confirmed that he wasn’t here with anyone and that he wasn’t meeting anyone. Once I established that he was single and available, I told him, in not so many words, that I had a friend who needed some companionship before we had to buy stock in batteries.”
I closed my eyes and stood up straight to pinch the bridge of my nose. “Please tell me you did not do that.”
“Jo, have you seen him?” she cried. “That guy is gorgeous. I know you’d prefer to have a relationship, but if that guy can give your hands a break for the night, why not?!”
“I know him!” I nearly exploded.
She jerked her head back in surprise. “You know that guy and you haven’t hooked up with him?”
Just then, a few more of our co-workers had arrived and walked up to us. I took in another deep breath and advised, “I’m going to go deal with the colossal mess you’ve just put me in. I’ll meet up with you in a few minutes.”
Ava took off with the girls from work and I turned back to Lorenzo.
I was in big trouble.

       

About A.K. Evans:

A.K. Evans is a married mother of two boys residing in a small town in northeastern Pennsylvania. After graduating from Lafayette College in 2004 with two degrees (one in English and one in Economics & Business), she pursued a career in the insurance and financial services industry. Not long after, Evans realized the career was not for her. She went on to manage her husband’s performance automotive business and drive the shop race cars for the next thirteen years. While the business afforded her freedoms she wouldn’t necessarily have had in a typical 9-5 job, after eleven years she was no longer receiving personal fulfillment from her chosen career path. Following many discussions, lots of thought, and tons of encouragement, Andrea decided to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. Between her day job, writing, and homeschooling her two boys, Evans is left with very little free time. When she finds scraps of spare time, Evans enjoys reading, doing yoga, watching NY Rangers hockey, dancing, and vacationing with her family. Andrea, her husband, and her children are currently working on taking road trips to visit all 50 states (though, Alaska and Hawaii might require flights).

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ARC REVIEW One Night Gamble by Katherine Garbera

Jokers Wild #1, Jokers Wild is a new Casino in Las Vegas it's owned by three friends who have been by each other's side since they were kids and they have in their each way made it big. Casey the gambler, Nicholas the magician, and Darien the dare devil; all three of them invested their money together to create a new experience for those coming to Vegas. Talia has spent the last seven years of her life cleaning up her father's mess, an inept gambler, if it wasn't for Talia her grandmother would have lost the house to a loan shark because he used it as collateral. Talia has sworn off gamblers she's concentrating on her job and taking care of her Gran.

Talia has the opportunity to get a really good job managing the social media for the new Jokers Wild casino if she gets this no more working two jobs. Casey isn't looking for anything more than a good time but a chance encounter with a woman not once but three times in one day has him thinking differently. One wild and hot night was all it was supposed to be until the next day when they realize Casey is Talia's new boss.

Talia and Casey's sexual attraction is very strong the chemistry is there, but Talia focus so much on the fact that Casey is a gambler and that is basically the epitome of everything she hates that as the reader I had a hard time seeing anything else in the way of Casey's redeeming qualities besides the sexual attraction. Whereas Casey loved everything about Talia you could tell even when she was being obstinate he still loved her and he was trying very hard to get her to see a future for them. Told in the third person POV you get a omniscient view of both sides of their story.

Overall, it was a very smokin' hot story. I enjoyed the characters and their story and I look forward to Nick and Darien's books.   

ARC REVIEW Cowboy Brave by Carolyn Brown

Longhorn Canyon #3, Yay this isn't the last one! Longhorn Canyon Ranch is a working ranch that in the summer takes on some city kids on the verge of being troublemakers and teaches them about ranching and other stuff. We've already seen the oldest of the Maguire brother's find true love and their best friend/foreman find true love, Justin wasn't looking he didn't even think he was ready to settle down but the moment he set eyes on Emily Baker everything changed.

Emily is the events coordinator at a retirement community and one group she deals with heard about the Longhorn Canyon Ranch and their work with kids and asked Emily if she could arrange a special trip for them to the ranch. By all appearances Emily is a city girl but there is more to her than meets the eye. The attraction between them is instant but Emily is determined not to fall for a cowboy. Justin has never felt this way about anyone and he's determined to show Emily he means it. Aside from Emily's family that she hasn't told him about another obstacle is Justin's mother who took an instant dislike toward Emily automatically assuming she's a golddigger.

Overall, this was another really good read from Carolyn Brown. I loved Emily and Justin and all the hyjinks that the Fab Five get into are hysterical. Even though Justin's mom kind of plays the part of the bad guy in this book Emily really is her own worst enemy. The Bonus Book Second Chance Cowboy by A.J. Pine is a book I have previously read it's the first book of the of Crossroads Ranch series and is really good. So as a two for one deal this one is really good one both books are entertaining and fantastic reads.   

ARC REVIEW The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake

Unlikely Duchesses #1, First in a new series and a new author for me as well and I was impressed. I loved Abby she is a loveable character what she does and how she finally takes her future into her own hands is admirable. After years of being in service to her family, not maliciously, she finally breaks free. She was a late in life baby her older siblings are all much older, when she got close to the age of coming out her mother suffered an accident and the family decided Abby would help take care of her and then as her parents got older she acted as nursemaid to them both. Now after a year of morning and both parents dead her siblings arguing over where Abby will be most beneficial. Abby feed up with not having a say so in her own future finally stand up and tells them she loves them all but no, and proceeds to take up the governess role at a neighbor's estate; even if that estate belongs to the one man she gave her heart to and then crushed after all he's never home.

Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell had a horrible childhood the only light in his life was Abby whom he loved beyond measure but after his mother died they argued and then he was gone and none of his letters answered. Max closed off his heart and because a notorious rake. Max never wanted to return to his childhood home if he ever wanted to see his Aunt and sister they would come to him but due to circumstances beyond his control he's there now and then he finds out his Aunt hired a new governess without his approval and it's Abby.

Abby and Max have a lot of time to make up for and some misunderstandings to clear up. Once Max understands what happened he is determined not to let Abby slip through his fingers again so easily. Abby isn't so sure she's never had a season never been presented at court she doesn't think she would be good for him and throw in the fact that he brought a would be mistress who was angling for more and Abby has a whole lot of obstacles to overcome.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I didn't like Max at first but I warmed up to him the more he fell back in love with Abby he had some really sweet moments. The story was heartwarming and romantic and I definitely want to read the next books in the series. 

ARC REVIEW Crucible by James Rollins

 Sigma Force #14, Another hair raising, death defying, action packed, FANTASTIC read from James Rollins. If you haven't read the entire series yet I really recommend it, it's history, science, religion, and action adventure all rolled into one. Another nice thing, IMO, is I don't think you have to read the others to enjoy and follow this one. There are a few things references to a certain person in a past book but nothing to major, and the major characters are all established and there are quite a few characters to keep track of fortunately they are split into two groups, sometimes three, and with the third person POV you follow everyone, and in this books case you even follow the evolution of an AI.

Seichan and Monk's two daughters are missing, Kat is in the hospital barely hanging on, and now Monk, Gray, and their team have to track down a young woman and her AI before an overzealous group that goes back to the time of the Spanish Inquisition get their hands on it and unleash a new kind of hell on the world. Gray and Monk are torn between finding Seichan, who is pregnant with Gray's unborn baby,with Monk's two daughters and once again saving the world but the person who took them wants the AI too so in order to get them back they need the AI. It also helps that they know Seichan and what she's capable of, Monk's daughters couldn't be in better, safer hands even at eight months pregnant she's deadly.

I'm an emotional reader, I will laugh out loud in public at funny parts and I WILL bawl my eyes out if the situation calls for it. The beginning of this book and the end of the book had me in tears, big fat ugly tears. The rest of the time I was at the edge of my seat and holding my breath it was intense. It stands for reason that Rollins is one of my top five favorite authors he delivers, with every single book you get an action packed, emotional, educational, entertaining read. Each new book is my favorite and this is no exception this book wrecked me in all the best ways.   

ARC REVIEW Summer of Love by Sidney Bristol

The Love Barn #2, I'm loving the Lively's. The only weddings Benjamin Lively is worried about are the ones that take place at his families wedding venue The Love Barn. Benji is enjoying life and has no plans to settle down himself anytime soon that is until he sees Dixie again. Dixie Applewhite is finally free from her husband after a grueling two year long divorce she plans to make up for lost time and she decides a summer fling with her secret high school crush Benji is just the thing she needs.

Benji has had a crush on Dixie since high school but he respected that she was in a relationship with someone else. Dixie was with Jace since she was 13 and she always thought him her Prince Charming until he wasn't any more. Dixie realized he was controlling and she had changed so much about herself to please him and his mother; it wasn't worth it anymore she wanted to be back in charge of her life. Being single for the first time in forever Dixie wasn't ready for a full fledged relationship so Benji and her started with just friendship until the sexual tension couldn't be ignored. Benji's problem was that he was already half in love with Dixie and the longer they are together the more the fling becomes something real.

Overall, this was a good read. It's written in third person mainly from over the shoulder of Benji and Dixie.I love Sidney Bristol's writing she really brings her characters to life and you empathize with them so much. That little Texas town of Ransom has become so real for me. Elizabeth better get her own HEA, I don't care what series it's in she just needs one! I liked the progression of the relationship and how stubborn Dixie was. I loved the side story with Garth, Benji's older brother, that really showed how much a person, ie. Benji, can mature when they need to. The little tease about Garth and the next book at the end was nice, I was hoping that was going to happen so I can't wait for that book.