ARC REVIEW An Inconvenient Duke by Anna Harrington

Lords of the Armory #1, This is a wonderful first book of the series setting up the characters and the ominous big bad, that I have a feeling is going to be the connection of the series. This is a standalone there is a HEA and all question are answered except for who is the big bad. It's a fun read with plenty of humor, sexy time, and a nice bit of realism.

Danielle is head of the Nightingale operation, in a time where a husband could be arrested for beating his wife but it wasn't exactly against the law either and all it did was shine a bad light on the woman. Dani helped those women escape, get new identities and a new life away from their abuser. Dani knew her limits she never messed with the brothels because they were dangerous. Her best friends Elise wanted to help those women and going out on her own she crossed the wrong people and ended up dead.

Marcus Braddock had been away at war , his homecoming gave him a heroes welcome and a Dukedom, the newly christened Duke of Hampton. Marcus believed the story he was told about his sister's death but upon his return he discovered it was a lie, she had a secret and the only way to find out what it was is to ask her best friend and the woman who told him the lie, Dani. In the time it has been since he last saw her Dani had grown into a stunning woman and his reason for getting close to her multiply one to find out about his sister and two just to be near her and when he finds out her secret he's determined to protect her too. Tempers flair and passion ignites as Dani and Marcus try to uncover who had Elise killed and save Dani from the same fate.

Overall, a great read. I love how it didn't take Marcus long to realize he loved Dani. I liked how the Armory came together. It was a well written, nicely paced story and steamy. I look forward to the rest of the series.

ARC REVIEW The Third to Die by Allison Brennan

The first book in a new series by Alison Brennan, the Mobile Response Team is a new team not even fully formed yet that's lead by SAC Mathias Costa. Mathias is still trying to get his profiler and friends to not quit profiling and join the team and the cast that landed on his desk is just the one to do it, The Triple Killer. Kara Quinn is an undercover LAPD detective and due the the events of her last case she's on administrative leave. Her boss and friend recommended she get out of town, so she went home to Liberty Lake, Oregon. It turned out to not be quite the vacation she needed when she finds the body of a nurse by the lake the first victim of the Triple Killer.


Mathias and a few others go to Liberty Lake, the point of MRT is to help aid rural area PDs that aren't otherwise capable of handling situations like this. Ever three years this killer strikes they haven't yet determined victimology but it's the same way all three time and every crime scene is clean not evidence and what they have found isn't in the system. Mathias is determined to catch the guy this time. Kara having several good friends on the local PD force and being the one who found the first victim has a few idea she' not afraid to share. Mathias' initially thought she's could be trouble or she could be helpful and she is a little bit of both. Kara gives some helpful insight and the profiler digs deep enough to discover just who this person is and why he's killing. But, will they be able to stop him before he kills again?

This is mostly a mystery/thriller but there is a romantic element between Kara and Mathias. It's not a full on romance as there is no HEA. Like with the Lucy Kincaid series, I believe, the ongoing story of Mathias and Kara romance will go through the series. Overall, this was a great read. I enjoy Allison Brennan but I haven't read one of her books since before Luck Kincaid got her own series. I loved the flawed characters, Kara has a lot going on for her with her upbringing and her current career path. Their profiler Dr. Catherine Jones lost her sister to a serial killer recently and had a crisis of faith in her job. Mathias, well not much is said about him yet but I'm hopeful and Brennan doesn't disappoint. This was a fantastic first for the new series and I'm already looking forward to the next to see where she lead the MRT next.

ARC REVIEW Wish by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

From New York Times bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes a sexy standalone novel.

If I could wish for one thing, it would be to have never met my ex. He took my money, cheated on me, and saddled me with an impossible mortgage.

Now, just as I’m fighting to put my life back together, I find an unusual bottle with a note inside: “You get one wish. Make it count.” Har har. Someone’s idea of a joke?

But nothing could prepare me for what comes next or for the screamin’ hot man with piercing blue eyes who shows up at my door, making demands.

I should slam the door in his sex-god face, because this guy has trouble written all over him. But I can’t. Suddenly I do have a wish…

It's so Mimi, really taking us by surprise and giving us something completely different

via GIPHY

A completely enjoyable story. Characters you wish were real and an immersive story, it pulls you and doesn't let go even after the story is over. It will have you looking for genie bottles for your own Mr. Wish.

Ginnie is an artist, she creates glass mosaics. She use to be a teacher until her boyfriend convinced her to move across the country to live with him be an artist full time and even buy a house. Then she walks in on him with another woman, and then he cleans out her bank account and leaves her with a mortgage she can barely cover. Ginnie is just trying to stay afloat working on commission and with a stall in the farmer's market. The glass she uses in her art is all repurposed going to garage sales and thrift stores she finds all the best stuff, including a very unusual glass bottle she wants for her collection. When Ginnie gets home she discovers a message in the bottle, she's has been granted one wish. A wish would make all of Ginnie's problems disappear but she doesn't want the easy way out it's probably not even real to begin with but then he shows up, the most gorgeous man she's ever seen and he's telling her to make her wish. 

What follows is an emotional and funny tale of wish fulfillment. Mr. Wish is a mysterious and sexy addition to the Hunks of Mimi. Ginnie is a bright, talented, strong, and stubborn woman just like we like them.

Overall, it's another winner from Mimi Jean Pamfiloff. Yes it is a complete stand alone. (I still don't believe it. Mainly because I can see a crossover with King happening.... well that's my wish anyways.) It's a brilliant book. 

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About the Author

MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a New York Times bestselling author who’s sold over one million books around the world. Although she obtained her MBA and worked for more than fifteen years in the corporate world, she believes that it’s never too late to come out of the romance closet and follow your dreams. Mimi lives with her Latin lover hubby, two pirates-in-training (their boys), and their three spunky dragons (really, just very tiny dogs with big attitudes) Snowy, Mini, and Mack, in the vampire-unfriendly state of Arizona. She hopes to make you laugh when you need it most and continues to pray daily that leather pants will make a big comeback for men.

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ARC REVIEW Unforgiven by Jay Crownover

Loveless Texas #2, I'm listing this as more contemporary then suspense because while there is a mystery and some action it falls secondary to the emotional romance between Hill and Kody. I was so excited for Kody and Hill and it did not disappoint. Hill has loved Kody from the very start of their friendship but as they got older Kody fell for his brother. Hill while happy for them was heartbroken and as soon as he could he left. Kody was torn between the two brothers, Aaron was her age and the most like her he was quick to react, moody, and so sweet. Aaron and Hill Gamble were Kody's first real friends and even after Hill left Kody would call on him for advice. But Hill could only take so much loving Kody from afar and seeing how Aaron was falling apart and sometime horrible to Hill so Hill started to back off. It wasn't fair that Aaron killed himself before the wedding and it wasn't fair that Kody spewed all her anger at Hill and Hill took it because he thought she was right it was all his fault. Now he's ready to take the brunt of her anger and hatred again because her father was murdered and he was the one who told her.

Kody starts to remember that her feelings for Hill go way back and even as mean as she has been to him since Aaron's death Hill still stands by her, he still worries about her and he still in little ways shows her he cares. Little by little Kody starts to realize her anger was misplaced and that his abandonment all those years ago is what fed her anger. But Hill his here now and although the timing might not be ideal Kody and Hill are finally getting their chance to clear the air and as long as the psycho killer doesn't get to her first they are willing to try for their HEA.

The small suspense part deals with who murdered Conrad Lawton and why. Hill while not technically on the case is helping out because the Tx Rangers believe have a local will help loosen lips and as hated as Conrad was the suspect list is endless. Now the ending is a little open ended all the major question get answered but one little detail is left which is what leads us to the next book. Overall, outstanding book. It's an emotion book about unrequited love finally coming to fruition. The suspense part was good, I enjoyed it and I kind of figured it was going to leave off the way it did.

ARC REVIEW Moonlocket & Skycircus by Peter Bunzl

Moonlocket is the sequel to the adventurous Cogheart. A story where a young girl, Lily, discovers the accident that killed her mother should have killed her too but her father replaced her heart with that of a cogheart; a perpetual motion machine. This one focuses on her stalwart friend Robert. After the death of his father he was taken in by Lily, her father, and their peculiar family of mechanicals. Lily's father a brilliant and famous mechanist was friends with Robert's dad and promised Robert he would teach him everything. Still recovering from the death of his father Robert still occasionally visits his old home. His most recent late night visit he finds something of his mother's and he gets put on the path of family he never knew and just maybe a mother who isn't dead. Robert, Lily, and the mechanical fox Malkin set off on another adventure to find Robert's mom and out smart the criminal Jack of Diamonds.


Overall, this was a brilliant follow up to the first book. Lily and Robert make a new friend, Tolly, and we see old friends too like Anna and Inspector Fisk. I loved the story I love how it expanded on Robert's character and it brought him closer to Lily and her Father. This can be read as a stand alone.




Book Three of the Cogheart Adventure. Once again Lily is the focus of this story but in this one she discovers more about her mother that she ever knew before. Like how her mother studied flyology and learning how to fly. It's Lily's 14th birthday and while is bound to be better than last years birthday debacle it seems that her father has forgotten it's her birthday in all the excitement of getting some award. Lily was soon distracted by the anonymous gift that was left for her, her mother's old diary with a flyer for Skycircus and VIP tickets. On the flyer was a drawing of a young girl with wings and from what she read in her mother's journal she thought this winged girl might have information on her mother. So grabbing Robert, Malkin and the visiting Tolly they ditch her father's stuffy dinner party and run off to see the circus. It wasn't what they expected. The ringmasters exploited the hybrids and treated them like freaks and in the end kidnapped Lily, Robert and Malkin leaving Tolly to run to safety and tell her father what happened. Someone from Lily's past is back and is out to make a quick buck exposing Lily for what she is a hybrid. It's up to Lily, Robert, and Malkin to escape and free the circus folk from the prison that has become of their circus.

Overall, another outstanding book for the series and it can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend at least reading Cogheart first, which is where Lily's story starts. These are wonderfully written books with grand adventures and characters that have you rooting for them the whole time.   

ARC REVIEW Highlander in a Pickup by Laura Trentham

Highland Georgia #2, This is such a fun book, a light hearted and funny romance between one person determined to prove herself and a man who's trying to find himself. I loved Iain and Anna. Anna, after failing her dream of broadway came home and eventually took over her mother's dance studio. She has worked hard to make it hers to expand the direction of the studio to fit current trends and now she wants to run for mayor. Anna sees her chance at running the Highland Games this year as her chance to prove to everyone that she has what it takes to be mayor of Highland. Iain grew up the caretakers son he saw his dad's life revolve around Cairnow Castle. As soon as he could he left but while in HM Armed Forces he couldn't wait to come home. Until he actually got there and he didn't know for sure of that's what he wanted anymore, but he promised his Dad after helping with the Highland Games he'd be back.

At first Anna sees Iain as a threat, a very,very sexy, kilt wearing threat. Thinking he's going to come in and take over. That had been Iain's plan but seeing that Anna has everything under her control he takes on the one thing she can't control, the animals. Since the addition of livestock show is new and Anna is horrible with animals she is more than happy to leave that to Iain. As the days pass the attraction builds and Anna sees how good Iain is with the townspeople he even takes on extra work just to help out around the town and the attraction grows stronger. When they finally do give into the lust it's hot and heavy between them but they don't let that get in the way of the festival. The Festival is anticipated and dreaded as it also marks the ending point of Iain's time in Highland.

Overall, it was such a fun read. I am really enjoying this series and the teaser at the end about the next book, oh boy. It can be read as a standalone but reading the first book give you a bit more background on the town and the Highland Games festival.





Also by Laura Trentham, a recent release on the serious side of Contemporary Romance, An Everyday Hero.


Heart of a Hero #2, A heartfelt emotional romance about healing, grieving, learning to move on, and music. Greer left Nashville and came back home to find her boyfriend cheating on her, instead of feeling inspired to write she felt more dejected than before and thought she'd never pick her guitar up again. But after a night of drinking and getting in trouble with a perverted cop she winds up with community service helping out a local place where they use music to help with veterans and their family. Her first assignment is a young teenager, Ally, who lost her father overseas and her mother isn't handling it any better. Greer's second assignment is a little bit more personal. Emmett was the popular one in high school and he even stood up for Greer once and she never forgot the incident so when she heard what happened she easily took the assignment.

Emmett blamed himself for what happened, he may have lost part of his left but several of him men lost their lives. He plans to just sit alone in the cabin and just drink the pain away until a feisty little spitfire named Greer calls to his senses, brings music back into his life and shows him he still has something to live for. Ally hates her new school, she hates that her mom acts like her dad's not dead, she doesn't want to do the music therapy but Greer shows her a way to vent through her lyrics. Ally and Emmett also help Greer get out of her funk, show her that she deserves better than her last boyfriend and that the music never left her she just needed the right person, or persons, to push her where she needs to be.

Overall, this was a beautiful story. Laura Trentham wears a coat of many colors when it comes what she can write and she writes emotional, not to angsty, romance just as well as she writes the funny stuff. 

ARC REVIEW In Search of Truth by Sharon Wray

Deadly Force #3, I don't think any of these should be read as a standalone they all have a connecting story arc, trying to clear the names of the two teams of Green Berets that were wrongly imprisoned and half, later, dishonorably discharged. The half that were released from prison and discharged are on the hunt to find proof they didn't do what they said they did and that lands them smack in the middle of two very powerful very secret people. It's a very complex story, which I loved, and has so much history, a great mystery, and ghost stories. There are quite a few characters but each books you only need to worry about a handful at a time. It is told in third person with three alternating POVs but each time the POV changes the characters name is the first thing you read so it's easy to keep track. We aren't limited to Savannah this book most of it takes place in Charleston and for a bit we go to New Orleans.

Zack has been in love with Allison for just about ever, even when she married his best friend but now seven years later Stuart is dead. Zach knows his death is in connection to The Prince and the Fianna and in turn Remiel. Zack is worried about Allison and for good reason because whatever it was the they told Stuart to do is now Allison's responsibility to see it happen. Allison is now incharge of finding a long lost treasure buried by an infamous pirate who disappeared along with his treasure. Zack is willing to help to protect Allison but as an extra measure The Prince kidnaps Zack's sister to make sure he plays along. Alex, who is now apart of the group even though he wasn't an original member of the Green Berets but who is involved nonetheless for his own complicated past, left Savannah against Kells (their boss and Zack's former CO) wishes to help out Zach and Allison.

Overall, if you are brave enough to take this on as a stand alone and can keep up with it it is quite the read. I loved it just as much as the first two. I can't wait for Alex's story, and Vain and hopefully after what transpired in this one there might be something later on with Kells. (???) It was exciting and action-packed read and it kept me immersed the whole time. I loved the chemistry between Zack and Allison. I can't wait to find out what happens next.       

ARC REVIEW The Last Real Cowboy by Caitlin Crews

Cold River Ranch #3, The third book, the third Everett brother and hopefully not the last book of the series especially not after introducing Amanda's brothers. This was an enjoyable book and much like the first it starts with unrequited love. Amanda has been in love with her oldest brothers best friend as long as she can remember, but half the time it's like he doesn't see her and the other times he treats her like she's still in school. Brady has done his best to try and ignore Amanda, she's always been hands off. The Kittredge family has been more a family to him than his own, and lusting after his best friends little sister is a big no no; until it's not.

Brady has a lot issues he was the book smart brother who left as soon as he was able because while loved the ranch he hated his father. His father made him feel like the red-headed step child and pushed to the point his brothers alienate him too. His promised year working on the ranch has been spent trying to convince his brothers that his college degree doesn't make him ranch dumb.

Amanda is the youngest the only girl with four older brothers, four very overstepping, overbearing, over protective brothers. So much so that at the age of 22 she's only been on three dates no one is brave enough to stand up to the Kittredge boys and to the Kittredge boys no one is good enough for their baby sister. Fed up of being treated like a child to everyone around her she makes the decision to start living her life no matter what her brothers do or say. She moves out of her parents house and gets second job at the low class bar on the skirts of town and rents one of the rooms above it. Her parents are supportive her brother's on the other hand. Brady was just supposed to watch out for her make sure no one tries anything but then Amanda asks him to teach her all about sex.

Overall it's a great read. I feel like it can be read as a stand alone, I missed reading the second one and didn't feel lost at all. I loved the bonding between the brothers and truths finally coming to light. I mentally applauded Amanda for standing up for herself and her relationship with Brady.

ARC REVIEW The Two-Date Rule by Tawna Fenske

Smokejumpers #1, A sweet and steamy book all in one. I'm new to Tawna Fenske and figured what better place to start that with a new series and it was a good start. I really enjoyed this one it was funny in all the right parts and romantically sweet and hot in the bedroom, but not limited to the bedroom. Best of all it had relatable characters, Grady and Willa are opposites but their spontaneous reaction to each other soon grows deeper but not without its hardships because of those differences.

Willa had a difficult childhood, her mother left and her father was an alcoholic and a gambler and more often than not they had to spend nights "out camping" because of some bill wouldn't get paid. Willa left home as soon as she could and became a successful web designer with her own company. But she's still a smart buyer, she hates spending money when she doesn't have to and when she does she's smart about it, her friends are use to her. Willa is also a planner and a hard worker and because of that she wasn't going to let anyone sidetrack her from her goal or her work hence the two-date rule.

Grady is one of ten kids, he can handle chaos. Growing up the son of a smokejumper he knew getting involved in a relationship would be difficult for his partner, he saw how it affected his parents and how hard it was on his mom for his dad to be away months at a time. He decided going into his career he wasn't going to make plans his work was dangerous enough why look forward to something if there's a chance you might not make it home. 

Willa gives Grady his first date, and then a series of non-dates; miniature golf is not a date, it's a group outing not a date, meeting his parents isn't a date and so on until one day it is the second date and then third. Willa and Grady have pretty much fallen in love and not even drama from her past can get in the way of her happiness at least until it interferes in her business. Then their differences seem insurmountable and it would take a pretty big leap for them to find their way back to each other.

Overall, it was a pretty good read. I liked all the characters and the funny situations; all the non-dates. Grady's parents are pretty awesome too. I look forward to the upcoming books in this series.         

ARC REVIEW Sated in Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan

Montgomery Ink: Boulder #2, It's been a while since I've read a menage, probably because it's been a while since Carrie Ann Ryan has written one. I am picky about any M/M or M/M/F I usually only stick to authors I know, because I already enjoy their writing style and I trust that I'll enjoy the book. Carrie Ann does not disappoint. Emotional, immersive, really freakin' hot! Top it all of with the wonderful Montgomery Family and you can't go wrong.

Ethan Montgomery has had a crush on his best friend Lincoln for as long as he can remember. Lincoln has had a crush on Ethan from the start of their friendship, neither of them knowing how the other felt. Jogging one morning they come across a bride drinking wine straight from the bottle just sitting in the park, concerned they introduce themselves and ask her out for coffee. Holland ran away from her wedding after catching her sister with her almost husband in a delicate situation. Ethan and Lincoln offered her comfort and friendship, which she needed after all her "friends" abandoned her in favor of her sister. Holland's friends and family vilified her making her the bad guy in this situation so her new friendship with Ethan and Lincoln was very much needed and welcome.

Ethan and Lincoln are both attracted to her and several months down the line when they invite her over for Mario Kart and drinking they never expect it to turn out the way it does. They all agree they are going to try and make it as a triad (because throuple sounds silly). The Montgomery's embrace Holland into their fold giving her a whole new family, one that actually likes her. Lincoln is dealing with his strangely possessive manager and not being able to paint, and Ethan is overworking himself even more than usual. Holland still feels like she's on the cusp of the relationship and it's only a matter of time before they move on without her.

Overall, it's an emotional and entertaining story. Communication is key in any relationship and having three people needs even more work, no matter how hot the sex is. Holland, Lincoln, and Ethan have their work cut out for them and it makes a great story with great characters. It was nice to see the Montgomery's again but you know who I really miss the Shifters. I miss Carrie Ann's PNR. 

ARC REVIEW Cowboy Tough by Stacy Finz

Dry Creek Ranch #2, Jace, Cash, and Sawyer are still trying to figure out how they can keep their ranch in one piece and still have enough to pay the taxes which are coming up and on top of all that Jace is up for re-election as Sheriff and this time he has competition. Jace also needs a new babysitter for his boys, even though the oldest, Travis, is old enough to watch Grady they don't always play nice. Charlotte is on the run from her fiance with the help of an organization that specializes in her situation she's trying to get as far away from him and San Francisco as possible she only made it as far as Dry Creek. Charlotte's former fiance cost her everything and now she has to start over. When Jace earns her trust enough for her to confide in him he talks her into staying at least for a little bit and file a restraining order. Charlotte helps around the house, watches the boys when they need it, helps out with the re-election campaign, and she start to find something to help her make money, refurbish and upcycle stuff she found at an old barn. She is well on her way to falling in love with the town, the boys, and Jace now she only needs to stop worrying about what her ex-fiance is going to do when he finds her.

Overall, it was another fabulous read from Stacy Finz. Wonderful characters love Charlotte heartbroken but resilient, Jace hesitant to start a relationship with a woman who has up until now been a city girl and one who might leave him and his boys and they have been through that before he can't do it again. This a a wonderful romance, Stacy Finz has a way with words, she pulls you in and makes you feel like your part of their family. I am really looking forward to Sawyer's book and finding out about what happened to Angie. 

ARC REVIEW The Kissing Game by Marie Harte

Despite what it may say I really don't think this book is a stand alone. It is part of Marie Harte's McCauley Universe which basically includes The Donnigan's, The Body Shop Bad Boys, and Veteran Movers. In my opinion if you've read at least one of the Body Shop Bad Boys series, The Only Thing, and What to Do With a Bad Boy (which is Del's book and I love it) I think you can read it without getting lost in the secondary characters. Rena and Axel have been on the sidelines for a while now, a year in there time several books our time, and they have been interested in each other but for reasons of his own Axel hasn't made a move.

It's been six months since Axel's mother died and the New Year just happened and with Valentines  along with her uncles wedding around the corner Rena has decided Axel is never going to make his move and she, a hopeless romantic, is ready to find her forever person. When Axel hears that Rena is going to start actively searching for a boyfriend and a commitment he finally gets shaken out of his low self esteem long enough to ask her out, well she says no. And so the bet.

Two dates is all Axel has to convince her to take him seriously and after two dates she agrees to give him until Valentines and then she'll make up her mind. Axel planned it all from a gift everyday, no matter how weird the gift might be, and nights out and nights in. Axel is adorkable when it comes to dating. Unfortunately Rena who has finally achieved her dream of owning her own salon is faced with a bunch of racist dummkopfs but she has all her friends to help out including, what I hope is hero baiting, a bunch of hunky firemen. (please tell me they are going to get there own series) Axel is also dealing with a bunch of stuff, his father and his brother are going to be visiting and all of Axel's insecurities of why he took so long to ask Rena out are exposed and it just might be the downfall of their relationship.

Overall, it was a good read. My only real issue was the cover, it's a cute cover just not for this book. I don't think the cover matches the book at all. When I see illustrated covers like this I think Rom-Com, chick-lit type stuff and this book just isn't that. Yes there is humor in this romance but Marie Harte always deals with more the angst of internal struggle and people overcoming whatever is holding them back from embracing their HEA, the humor just lightens it up a bit.     

ARC REVIEW Scot Under the Covers by Suzanne Enoch

Wild Wicked Highlanders #2, I'm so glad I didn't miss out on reading this one. I loved this book it's one that had me smiling at the end of it, it made me happy. It was well written and it pulls you in completely; from her details to the sprinkling of Scots Gaelic it's very immersive. The story is about three Highland brothers who were forced to come to London and find English brides before their little sister marries or else lose the family fortune. Which means they can't afford the upkeep of the estate or their lands and tenants. One brother has already fallen in love and married now it's the second brother's turn to fall.

Miranda Harris hates gambling and gamblers. The first thing she heard about Aden MacTaggert was that he was a wagering man and a good one, she takes an instant dislike to him even before she meets him. Then when she finally meets her brother's soon to be brother-in-law he was too good looking for his own good and she hated that she felt an attraction and he had just rescued a stray dog; she would not let herself feel such things for him so she was deliberately mean to him. Unfortunately, it backfired, Aden was intrigued by the green-eyed beauty who seemed to make a rather harsh judgement about him.

Miranda soon finds out her brother is really lousy at gambling and a really easy mark, he loses way more than he could ever pay back to a Captain Vale. Instead of taking the money and completely ruining the family the debt will be paid when Miranda marries the captain. Miranda is livid she in no way will accept her fate of being married to such a villain she does the only thing she can think of she asks Aden for help. Aden doesn't make it easy for her but he does give in and help. Part of his plan is to court her to irk the captain and take his attention away from Miranda and on to Aden and because he's serious about courting her. The more Miranda spends with Aden the more she sees he's not the villain gambler like she thought, he's a good man, a smart man, a man she could see herself with forever assuming Aden can get her out of this mess. Lucky for her Aden is smart much more so than the captain.

Overall, I thought this was such a great book, I loved how everything played out. I am really looking forward to Coll's book, the bigger they are the harder they fall. I love that one by one the brothers stop seeing their mother as a bad person and while they aren't happy with what she did they are willing to forgive her so far all except Coll. 

ARC REVIEW Forever Strong by Piper J Drake

True Heroes #6, Ever since Zu walked into the room with Buck in book 4, Total Bravery, I knew that this strong, silent, intimidating man would be my next book boyfriend. It was worth the wait because this book was fantastic. Piper J. Drake is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, top ten easily, she's already an autobuy author, as in if I see the book on the shelf and I don't have it I buy it. I love her diverse characters, especially the ones in the latter part of the series. This was an action-packed edge of my seat story I didn't want to put down. It is definitely one of my favorites in the series.

Jang Ying Yue was one of the people that Zu rescued from a cargo container in the last book, for this story arc I would recommend reading at least from book 4 although it can be read as a standalone. Ying Yue was kidnapped in Singapore and brought to Hawaii for ransom and to manipulate her father into doing something bad with his international, has government contracts, corporation. Zu feels a pull toward Ying Yue, he feels more protective over her than anybody else. She questions him about the decisions he makes so that she understands what he's doing and voices her concerns and her wants and needs and it just makes Zu like her even more. Even after rescuing her from the initial kidnapping they realize she's still not safe and Zu won't have anyone but himself and Buck protecting her. When the shit hits the fan, as it always seems to do, friends old and new come to lend a helping hand, and dog.

Overall, I'm gonna cry I think this is the last book of the series...Say it Ain't So! I really loved this series and Forever Strong (if it is the last book) is a strong finish to the series. I loved that she brought in all True Heroes and their people from the previous books. It is a well paced action with plenty of emotion and romance, loveable dogs and one pig. Definitely great reads. 

ACR REVIEW Mermaid Inn by Jenny Holiday

Matchmaker Bay #1, An adorable, heartwarming, and sexy small town romance. Eve Abbott use to spend her summers in Moonflower Bay, she even fell in love there but the last time she was there the love of her life, Sawyer Collins, broke her heart in such a horrible way she didn't return for ten years. The only reason she did return was because her great-aunt left her the Mermaid Inn with the stipulation she had to stay there a year before she could sell the place. The Inn was in serious need of some TLC and Eve's parent convinced her to use the year remodeling the place so she could get more money when she sold.

Police Chief Sawyer Collins as much as it hurt he knows he did the right thing ten years ago and now she's back and he can't help but want her. Eve has every right to hate him but there's a fine line between love and hate. Sawyer has one year with her and he isn't sure he wants to risk is heart again only to have her leave again, but his Evie is hard to resist especially when all the little old biddies keep trying to put them together.

Eve's plan isn't just to fix the inn she going to finally get over her fear of water and learn to swim and she's finally going to get over Sawyer. She, at first, tries to hate Sawyer. That doesn't last long it's hard to hate him when he's such a good guy and then she finally gives in and thinks one last time get it out of their system but Sawyer is remarkable. Between raising his little sister protecting her from their erratic father, taking care of the townspeople, and not-so-covertly helping her renovate she slowly realizes she still loves him. Eve has a life back in Toronto a job and a promotion waiting for her she can't run the inn on her own, and this thing with Sawyer is supposed to be casual, right?

Overall, it was such a sweetly sexy read. I enjoyed all the characters especially the old matchmaking biddies. Jake's story is next and I do love a strong silent type. I also can't wait for Maya and Law they are going to combust! This is a well written well paced second chance romance and a great start to a new series.