Dustin Frank, a Navy SEAL, has just lost part of his leg, his wife has divorced him and he is suffering from the horrors of his service and the painful night in losing one of his closest friends. He is slowly on the road to recovery, when his ex commander, who is retired calls him to invite him to his ranch in Texas to help heal, he takes him up on his offer. He isn't ready to return to his immediate family yet. He is recruited on a job to help a local book owner with her shop. This feisty woman fires his blood in a way he has never felt before and awakens something deeper he didn't expect to find. Kelcee Todd, is on the run from her past and she can't tell anyone the truth of where she came from and whom is after her. But she needs a safe haven, and she has found family and a safety net here in this small town. She knows that there can be no future between herself and Dustin but she can't resist the way he makes her feel. Will these two help each other heal and find a way to pave a future together or will their pasts break them?
Plot and Story Line
What a story this turned out to be. i admit, I really had no idea what to expect from this first installment in a new series by Vonnie Davis. However, I found that I couldn't put this one down and I loved every moment of this story. Its not your typical military romance here but what a story. I haven't read a military themed romance in quite some time and this was just what I needed and I was definitely in the mood for this type of story. What we have is a hero that is suffered from severe PTSD and recovering from some serious battle wounds....so bad that his own wife left him because of it. However, our heroine of the story is complete opposite. She doesn't look at Dustin with pity at all, she sees him as a man who is worthy of respect and love. Even though the heroine could be a bit high strung in her opinions at times, and boy is she a firecracker way more than I was expecting her to be. But it's exactly what Dustin really needs until our heroine also has to learn some lessons in humility as well. She is running so scared from her past that she sometimes can be a bit mean to Dustin at times. But Dustin is so patient with her, he is very understanding especially when he notices that the way she reacts to certain situations is due to something in her past and doesn't have to do with him. We see the beginnings of seeing these two form a relationship that is unsure and slippery at times, but these two learn to trust in each other despite each other's shortcomings. Their chemistry is entertaining and hot. These two made me laugh so many times. I love their fun bantering with each other and you can see how much they enjoy each other's company from the beginning even if they don't admit it at first.
"Something about you grates on my nerves."
"What? My scars?"
"Oh, get over yourself. So you have scars. BFD." She fist a hand at her waist. "I have a teacup ass. ZQ has big feet. None of us is perfect."
Dustin grabbed her upper arm and forced her partway around as he barked a laugh. "A...a teacup ass? Hell, woman, there's no way you could all that delightful rear end into a teacup."
They end up balancing each other out in a harmonious way. We see other members of the Black Ops Team that is forming here. I love the characters we were introduced to already, all suffering from some form of PTSD of some sort and excited to see how Davis develops these characters and their stories!!!
The Cover
Can I say SEXY as hell? I mean honestly, those arms and shoulders I could look at forever. I like the grey hues. And let me be honest....I have a weakness for scruff.
Overall View
Her Survivor is a romance that teaches you patience, understanding, and empathy for those men who serve our country and suffer the worst kind of consequences...we see a fiery and passionate love blossom into a concrete bond!!! MOUTHWATERING!!
I will love you forever, Kitten, until my final heartbeat and the one after that
I received a ARC copy in exchange for a honest review, thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca. This does NOT alter my view of the title. Summary Kendra has been working for years to get out of the office, so that she could work in the field. Now finally she has her chance., she is being sent as an observer on a mission to Costa Rica. Kendra knows how to fight, and use a weapon if needed, and has some unique talents up her sleeve no one would suspect of her. Declan, is a bear shifter, and is an expert with it comes to munitions and all manner of weaponry, but he has loved Kendra for years, but she has never returned the interest. He is given one job, when heading to Costa Rica…protect Kendra at all costs. When they arrive, Declan with his bear senses knows that something foul is a foot, and he turns out to be right. An army of hybrids are waiting for them. Declan and Kendra escape in the jungle, not knowing about their team, but knowing that the hybrids are after them. Kendra and Declan work together to survive, with hybrids surrounding them. Only by working in unison will they be able to survive, but a passion erupts between them, one that will prove them…
The Hero Declan always thought he was a “monster”. His family has no idea what he is. He once was engaged, but lost her when she found out the truth about him. He doesn’t trust women, because every time he puts himself out he gets burned. He then works as a forest ranger, but then he discovers that he isn’t the only one that can shift into a animal. He gets brought into a elite organization, and part of the special ops group. Only they have certain gifts the others can’t comprehend. Declan is one of the best, even though he hasn’t embraced his full bear, he has the strength of one and uses it to his advantage.
The Heroine Kendra has a connection to the Covert Ops. She works in the office, trains and has dedicated herself to going on a mission. What most of the others don’t know, she knows how to handle hybrids and how to take them out. The secret no one can know about, but despite what the other may think…she is more capable and talented than most. Kendra is strong and resilient, she is a fighter and a protector, and will defend herself if there is a threat. She is quite capable at handling anything thrown her way, and did I love her character. She also has a sweet spirit too, she yearns for love and passion.
Plot and Story Line This is the first book of the series I have read. I was first introduced to Paige Tyler with her SWAT series. So I was so delighted to read this one. Looking back I do wish that I had read the first two books, but I was able to catch on quickly and the story centers around Declan and Kendra. Although I already bought the first book because that is where Kendra first enters the series and I would love to see more background on her, and other members of the team. I do love this theme…a romantic suspense mixed with some sexy shifter….it doesn’t get better than that. I enjoyed seeing the team and commadrie and the fun bantering that goes on between them all. I love seeing how they protect and fight for each other. In Her Wild Hero we see two sides to the story…we see Declan and Kendra fighting to survive on their own…plus some hot steamy jungle sex (whew….SEXY), then we see other members of the team join up to find them and get rid of the hybrids. Hybrids are way more dangerous than shifters because they don’t have pain centers…and once they get into a fight they only care about killing and nothing will stop them until they are dead…which takes quite a bit to successfully kill them. They are worse than zombies because they have all the strength and speed that surpasses shifters. And this team is outnumbered. Not the best of odds. But this team has something the hybrids don’t have….passion and will to live and protect those they love. I loved seeing both sides to the story, and all the action and subterfuge….intense and wild. Edge of the seat type feeling….who needs exercise, with Paige Tyler controlling the story…I think I might have lost some weight hehe.
The Cover The cover is quite intense with the bold bright colors. I liked the pose of the hero and heroine here….bold and daring. If I were to change anything it would be the background since they spend most of their time in the jungle but it still works for me.
Overall View Her Wild Hero is a stimulating and thrilling romance that keeps the reader on their toes. A tale of intrigue, mystery, danger around every corner, and a passionate love that burns hotter than the sun. EXPLOSIVE!!!
Grant MacQuarrie, and his family has been managing Farraige Castle for quite a long time. He has taken the responsibility of taking care of their clan and making sure everything goes smoothly even though he isn't the owner of the castle that is his home and life. Then he hears that a american heiress is coming to his home to take a look and all he wants to do is everything he can to make sure she leaves as quickly as she arrives...but fate has other plans especially when you least expect it. Colleen, after hearing that she has inherited a Castle in Scotland, she makes plan to stay there. She plans on making it her home. Colleen is a wolf, and is determined to make a new life and start. Upon her arrival though, she knows that she isn't fully welcomed, with Grant and his men trying to make the Farraige Castle seem authentic from the old days. What they don't realize is that she loves history and she is enjoying all the attention, even knowing she isn't fully welcomed. Before Grant realizes it he starts to make concessions for Colleen, and just can't seem to turn her from him, all he wants is her kiss and her heart....but will Colleen crave him as he does her...
Hero Of A Highland Wolf is the 14th book in the series, and I swear this is one of my favorites so far. I just adored every aspect of the story and I couldn't put this one down once I started into it. We see some old characters from past books, which was fun and hilarious and made the story seem even more enjoyable...the icing of the cake!! The story begins with Grant having a sword fight with Ian, a mock battle upon Colleen's arrival. Grant is hoping to shock her, but what does she do? Video tapes it for Ian's wife....from the beginning you get a kick start on the story that instantly pulls you in. The first half of the story is mainly Grant trying not to let himself care for Colleen, but he ends up wanting what he always denied. In the second half of the story the romance escalates and the plot thickens with Grant's enemy...and quite some amusing antics with Ian and his wife Julia. There is a sense of playfulness and creativity which is perfect for a wolf shifter romance...they do love their play...and we see quite a play here of events that keep you more engaged with each page.
The characters in the story were lively and engaging. Grant...is your alpha wolf. Commanding, jealous, possessive and way too over protective, and with a hidden passion that will make you weak in the knees. The male who has had his share of women, and never thought of settling down....but Ian proves him wrong. There is such a male commadarie in the story and we see more of their friendship in this story. Colleen is best friends with Julia....a secret they have kept from the men until now. So they have some aces up their sleeves and know how to pull a wringer on their mates...Collen was such a fun and feisty heroine. She fights for what she believes, is passionate, and independent, but accepts love when she sees it.
Overall a wonderful dispaly of wolf shifter romance, with some historical scottish culture in a modern day setting, a sexy highlander wolf in a kilt (WOWZERS). a one of a kind heroine, sword fighting, pirate playacting, and some amusing scenes to keep you laughing for days!!! A engrossing story to steal your heart!! EXCELLENT!!
Major Gabriel Forrester loves having a career in the military, fighting and protecting his men. He is in his element when he is in his uniform fighting for his country. But then he receives the worst type of news, that he has become the last living heir to a dukedom. and is now the Duke of Lattimer. He is frustrated with his new role and all the responsibities and people he is responsible for. But when he hears news that one of his properties in Scotland is in trouble, he heads up north to figure out the problems behind the steward who isn't trustworthy and very vindictive of anything English. When he arrives he is confront by a young woman that is the reasons behind his problems with his property. Fiona Blackstock, hates anything English and the last thing she needs is some war hero of a Duke coming through and ruining all of her plans. Fiona hates Gabriel, but Gabriel is charming and is only intrigued by her fiery spirit. But there is a mystery to be solved of missing sheep and Gabriel with Fiona's help, learns how to help those under his care and win the heart of the woman he desires most...
Plot and Story Line
I really have struggled with Enoch lately, I never know if I will like her books or not, and at first I was really liking this one. But the moment Gabriel and Fiona started bantering with each other, I started to go from liking this story to really getting frustrated with it quite a bit. Fiona was too angsty of a characters and seems to be very selfish at times. I felt that she went to far, but Gabriel was quite patient and understanding and he almost seemed like a saint at times because he rarely got angry with her even when she treats him so horribly at times. I really struggled with the romance that developed between these two. I felt quite bored with it most of the time. The only thing that really kept me interested was the plot, with the mystery of the missing sheep and I did like seeing how Gabriel wins these scots over though. He was a real sweetheart at times and I felt he deserved so much better than a heroine like Fiona. I will say that some of their sensual moments were quite enticing and very well done but I didn't quite feel their chemistry like I wanted to. It happened in moments and bits and I really wished for more consistency in a romance and would have preferred not seeing so much angst in their relationship. I don't mind angsty romances but they need to be done well. Another reason I really struggled with this one, is that it didn't feel like a historical, it had a contemporary feel. It felt quite confusing at times, because there were inconsitensies that shouldn't be found in a historical.
Now don't get me wrong, I have quite a bit of love for this author, and her other highland romances I really enjoyed, but there was something that didn't feel right about this story and it didn't feel like Enoch's style. I did like some other aspects of the story, and I didn't hate it or dislike it; it just didn't fit for a solid historical romance I know Enoch can write. But I can see how this story will appeal to certain readers.
The Cover
Simply gorgeous, I just love the red and a really sexy pose!!! The publishers did a great job with it.
Overall View
Hero In The Highlands is a story that if you are looking for an angst romance....than you should pick this one up. It has moments of sensuality and bantering that is appealing at times.
Hidden is the first book in the latest series by Rebecca Zanetti, "Deep Ops" and this is a start to a new series and I went into this story with no inkling of an idea what the framework of the story would be, or what the series was even about. That is how much I actually have learned to trust this author over the years. I even put it as a entry into the "Romance-opoly" reading challenge, knowing that I would enjoy this one and even though it was a ride of sorts, I am glad that I trusted my instincts with this one here.
Hidden begins with seeing our two main characters...Malcolm and Pippa who are next door neighbors. Malcolm is an ex police officer and is ready for a break from law enforcement but then he gets called into a special ops team with a unique variety of men with various talents to contribute. But they have asked him to go on a certain mission which is two fold...investigate and seduce Pippa and go undercover into a religious cult who have aims to kill many people with an "endgame" and Malcolm with his experience in undercover to stop it if he can with the help of their team. Pippa is a ex member of the cult, where she and a close friend ran away from it and they both have been on the run ever since then. But Pippa knows her past with catch up with her and she will have to face up to it. But as the secrets begin to collide with Malcolm and Pippa's relationship---a new found trust will be tested in ways they don't expect ...
Hidden was such a great read and even though I struggled with the first half of the book I got a kick out of this story and I seemingly couldn't get enough of it. Now lets talk about the downside to this story ...the big one is the pacing of this book. I do want to make it clear that I am not sure if this has anything to do with the beginning of a new series and setting all the factors up...that could definitely be the case. But the first half of the story was SLOW, much slower paced than I expected, rarely have I seen this from Zanetti, so I really had to stick with this book but overall I am glad that I did though. Because once you read about the 40% mark, it really picks up pace super quickly. Which was a relief for me, as I had such high hopes for this story but Zanetti doesn't lead her readers wrong.
I found that I was super intrigued with how this book played out and man I TOTALLY didn't expect a religious cult theme at all. I have only seen one other author cover this topic and quite frankly I found it so refreshing to see another author place it in her books because this is a issue I think needs to be discussed way more than it is. And the way that she went about it was truly fascinating but it definitely had the "zanetti" stamp on the story. I just love seeing her style be woven so well in this one. I had a blast with the main couple here, and even though I am SO not a fan of secrets, the secrets these two keep from each other is definitely understandable. It makes perfect sense if you truly think about it. And even though I think they went on long, if you read the story and get the plot of destination of where this author is building up to....you can see why it takes so long. BUT, of course, I am always more for honesty over secrets. The bedroom scenes were HOT as you would come to expect from this author. I swear every time I read her I am bowled over by how hot these scenes on and then I ask myself "why?" her writing style hasn't changed in that. HEHE
Overall I found Hidden to be a delightful piece of romantic art that sweeps you up into a story of hidden secrets, complex portrayal of uncommon elements and a love story that beats a vibrant heart
Hers To Tame is the second book in the NOLA Knights and is to be released March 2020. I was so excited to read this one here and Rhenna Morgan didn't disappoint in any way. *sigh* this series has had such a great start here and I like that it connects to her "Haven Brotherhood" series. I do have a weakness for mafia-type setups and Morgan has done such a superb job in how she has crafted this world and delivering such a swoony romance that any romance reader will be able to get on board with and cheer these characters on.
Our delightful story begins with Cassie McClintock and how she has just moved into a new house after saving and saving. She works as a journalist/reporter and even though she is good at what she does, her real passion is photography. But currently, that is an unachievable dream for Cassie. But after a conversation with her aunt, she discovers a need to resolve a past regret. Cassie fell hard for Kir Vasilek. But when she ignored his calls and voicemails because of certain reservations she had, she knew it was wrong not to come clean especially when there is a deep emotion that she feels for him. When she goes to Kir to apologize to him, an arrangement forms between them. Starts at first professional but turns into something deeper and stronger than she expected. But when her life is put in danger, there is a villain who wants it out for Cassie and her newfound family...but it will take trust, openness and her own smarts to defeat their enemy and embrace her new happy ever after....
Hers To Tame is an incredible story and I didn't think anything could top book one, but somehow Rhenna Morgan has achieved the impossible and made me fall more in love with Hers To Tame than His to Defend and I honestly didn't think that would happen. But alas, it has and I am more than thrilled with that outcome. Even if mafia styled romance isn't your jam....this is a series I couldn't recommend enough to any romance reader. Both of these characters have painful pasts in connection with their immediate family. There is a deep understanding between them in this aspect and the lengths they have both gone to to forge a new life for themselves.
The romance is pure deliciousness, the intimacy that builds between Kir and Cassie is so riveting and touching. Seeing them form their bond and what they overcome together is beautiful. I honestly couldn't get enough of these two and their romance. It definitely has all the happy moments you look forward to in a romance, but at the core of their relationship, it has such vibrancy and core strength that only vibrates throughout the whole story and outreaches to the reader in such a heartfelt way.
She liked being with him. Had always felt a little more alive in his presence. More centered and aware. She'd marveled at the sensation even from the beginning. How easy everything from conversation to chemistry flowed with him. How even the simplest experience felt richer and more vibrant with him in the equation.
Another plus side to this story was seeing old characters come involved in the story and it was such fun to see all the connections that this author placed in the story that really fit just right in all the right ways. Seeing these supporting characters really brought the right "cream on top" feel to the story and the way they just open their arms to Cassie was delightful.
Overall I found Hers To Tame to be a tantalizing romance that delivers in plot, unique character development and a romance to wrap yourself in like a warm blanket on a cold winters night.....A JEWEL OF WARMTH AND SENSUALITY
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I will say that I have been a fan of this author and this beloved series since the very beginning with "Highland Promise" when I fell in love with all of these brothers and their adopted father that brought them all together "Gregor" (which seriously please please Alyson give us his story even if its a novella) Highland Thief I am assuming is the finale of the series and I was utterly captivated and drawn into the story pretty quickly. And while it's not one of my favorites, it definitely somehow won my heart when in the beginning I wanted to strangle a certain character. The talent of this author never ceases to surprise me and this story was a pure delight on every page.
Highland Thief begins by taking us back to time to the Scottish Highlands to Kerr MacAlister and his brothers coming home from battle, and this time he came close to losing his life and he is determined more than ever to claim Isobel as his wife. But the battle of his life....will be winning her trust and heart. Isobel doesn't trust easily, and she knows that as a woman there isn't much she can do, her abilities lie in a different nature than those of her sisters. She plays tricks on those that harm others whether it's intentional or not, and in her mind it brings balance to the clan, and is a sort of cleansing for all involved. She seems to stay one step ahead of everyone except one infuriating Scot....Kerr. He always sees the traps that she sets and she can never get one above him and she is determined more than ever to make it certain. Isobel is crafty and cunning and beautiful, and Kerr has loved her for a long while. But he knows receiving her gift of love in return will not be an easy task for him to accomplish and it might take a kidnapping, some battles, and a lady wolf to prove his devotion to his lovely lass.
Highland Thief was quite an entertaining read, and I had so much fun with this one here. I will be honest in that I was supremely anxious about the heroine. I was careful not to read reviews because I wanted to go in with a clean palette and zero expectations. I wasn't sure how easy this book would become to be fully invested in, but why oh why did I lose faith in this author?? Because on the FIRST page I was sucked straight into the story and I loved every part of that experience. I can tell you that I loved how this author crafts her storytelling and I was hooked. Now I first want to talk about my issues with the book, which is really only one issue. The heroine. *sigh* I swear more and more I am seeing heroines that just aren't my cup of tea and are problematic. And this heroine was a struggle for me to truly enjoy. I do not like "bully" heroines in romance. And while I found her contribution to the clan quite inventive, it just rubbed me the wrong way. And what she was going to do to her own BROTHER?? Man if it wasn't for the talent of this author and knowing she would give me a win, I am not sure I could have kept going on with the story but alas....this author won my heart despite my protests. I had no chance haha This author definitely knows how to write a captivating read. And while it was written to suit those with modern sensibilities, it was also done with subtlety so it felt more genuine in many ways.
I want to hear again that you missed me when I was gone. That you worried about me--like you admitted to before. That you were happy to see me arrive back safe and sound. That when I kissed your neck today, your knees grew weak and shivers ran up your spine. That when we spar, or you try to trick me and dump me in a pile of dung, you feel more alive than at any other time during your day. That when you see my hands, or my body, or my lips, you think about them touching your hands, and your body, and your lips. When you see me, Isobel, that you know I really see you too.
Highland Thief is an adventure, with a bit of a road trip adventure (kinda) and some sexy bantering, fun laughs and some sword fighting between some Scots and a Welsh with a wolf...maybe he will be getting a story. *crossing fingers* I actually had a blast with the way that the plot developed in this story and I just couldn't get enough of seeing where this author was taking me in this book. Now, this does have some elements of the unrequited love trope, this is from the heroine. She is very resistant to the hero even though she feels the underlying chemistry between them. I think much of her resistance comes from issues she has with herself and a lack of trust in the male species. But as their chemistry builds, and they have to work together to survive, she sees Kerr as a male worthy of her trust and love. And seeing this transition was so beautiful to see. I found it utterly delightful seeing her change toward Kerr. It was slow going in some ways, but I did become in love with the heroine even though I struggled with aspects of her character in the beginning. I see her as a woman worthy of Kerr and willing to stand by his side and fight for him and their love and she won my heart in that fierce loyalty to him.
Overall I found Highland Thief to be a sensation thrill of twists and turns that kept me guessing, this author had me turning in circles wondering what the next move would be, I was stunned by the way that this author worked this story, Highland Thief is a book that will warm your heart, excite your senses and offer all the heart and beauty of the highlands!
A Dom is Forever is the third book in Lexi Blake's "Master and Mercenaries" series and I have loved and adored this series so far. Now I would like to mention that it does have a strong element of BDSM while balanced with a edgy suspense plot. Its always so interesting to see how this series has grown over the years, and I am far behind in this series, but I do want to get caught up. I have been impressed with the BDSM elements that Lexi Blake incorporated within her stories. In A Dom is Forever we have a story of suspense, mystery, secrets and some sexy kink to intensify the story just a bit and Lexi Blake does it with her style that gravitates you toward her writing even more.
We don’t know who we really are until we meet the people we’re supposed to be with
I want to deliver this review the way that it should be written. I have found that this story while it was entertaining, had its fun quirky moments, also didn't stun me either. It was quite easy to immerse myself into the writing that Lexi Blake displays here, but at the same time, it was more of a light appetizer and didn't deliver on deep emotional feels like I expect to find in my romances. It could have been my mood at the time of reading this one, or it also could have been just the zone I was in at the time, but this one just didn't quite stun me as I was expecting, as the first two books in the series did. I wish that this book had a higher outcome for me, but alas, it didn't. I found the plot quite intriguing though. I really enjoyed the hero posing under another identity while secretly trying to discover if she was good or bad and a villain like her boss. I found this element quite unique and I do wish there was more focus on this aspect. It seemed to be almost sugar coated and had a feeling of being "barely there" so you might have even missed it if you weren't paying close enough attention to it.
I got a body covered in scars, but then who doesn’t? If you don’t have a few scars, you haven’t really lived.
Overall I found A Dom Is Forever to be a delightful mix of danger, secrets and smexy kink. It will definitely be a fast paced quick read that will take you to the city of London and offer a lively respite from reality.
Summary
