**Warning: maybe some minor spoilers ahead**

Bear Whiskey is just about perfect. He's strong, caring, protective, sensitive, loyal, sexy ... I could go on and on, but I don't want to ruin him for you ;) His only flaw that I could find is he may be a little too dedicated to his family. He's got dreams that he's put on hold because of his father's stroke and he's taken on a lot of responsibilities over the years. The man just doesn't slow down! But now he's got a chance with the woman he's been pursuing for almost a year AND an opportunity to design motorcycles for a premier company. He just can't figure out how to work it in with everything else. His devotion to those he loves and his strong sense of responsibility is definitely not a problem, it just is making it hard for him to find a time to put his needs first. Especially now that Crystal has stopped pushing him away.

Crystal had a pretty rough childhood and she finally manages to get away to college, only to be raped at a party. A little broken, she heads home again to try to pull herself together again. It's taken her quite a few years (and some serious reinventing of herself) to get where she's finally feeling steady enough to actually do something about the intense pull she has towards Bear. It's a pretty emotional journey - getting herself back on her feet and finding a way to tell those closest to her what happened. She's strong for figuring out how to get help and make her way through it all. And with her friends and a good man by her side, things are looking really good.

While Bear is not quite a Tru, Foster once again proves that she can create some amazingly addictive characters. I loved him, and Crystal, from page one. Not just their interactions together, which are funny and sexy and full of so much understanding & love, but with their friends and family. Because Truly, Madly, Whiskey isn't just a romance, but it is about love for friends, family and those you call yours. This group is so amazingly supportive of those in their sphere and they don't hesitate to offer support of any kind when it is needed. Their little circle keeps getting bigger and better every year, and they keep proving what awesome people they are. It gives you such a happy feeling to see them pull together like that ... but they are also family though so they aren't afraid to give each other a little hell now and again :)

(Although this does continue the stories of people we met in Tru Blue, it can easily stand on its own ... but if you want some serious feels make sure you pick it up once you finish this one. I dare you not to fall in love with this amazing group of people!)

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

Liam is the most closed off of the brothers and I think lots of returning readers are really looking forward to discovering what makes him tick. He's struggling with a lot of things, leaving him moody and sometimes erratic. Proximity to his brothers and working on his sister's dream is doing a lot to bridge some old hurts and forge a better relationship with his family. But it doesn't help that one of those things he's having trouble with is an attraction to his sexy landlord and close family friend.

Macy seems like such a well put together person that you wouldn't realize that she's got some pretty big secrets. She's funny, energetic and friendly - the perfect girl next door. Or in this case, girl downstairs. And she's had a thing for Liam for AGES so if she could only get behind his walls it might lead somewhere fantastic. Whew, he has walls though!

I think that Bennett's superb writing and fun characters will help keep the attention of readers who aren't all that thrilled with the on/off of this relationship. Because Liam definitely waffles. A lot. I kinda get where he's coming from, because small town living makes it hard to get away from anything in your past. Especially something as big as the car wreck that left him with a scar on his face. And he's has an idea of what his future would be, which doesn't include life in said small town. But things are starting to come together with the brothers and their business, so when you throw in a girl that he has trouble resisting... well, I think he resists a little too much :) It takes him some time to work out what he really wants and where he needs to be. But of course, he gets there in the end. (There's quite a bit of angst though before then so make sure you are prepared.)

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

I loved, loved, loved Rains' Hero's Welcome series and I was very happy that many of the things that made those books great translated well to a new series. I enjoyed the relationship that develops between Jack and Grace. The whole former step-sibling thing isn't icky at all and I think their friendship from years ago helps to give them a good basis for something new. The bond among the Sawyers is great and Grace befriends a couple of women that are definitely getting their own story soon. Characters and connections are a couple of things that Rains does so well - they feel real and work together in a natural way - and I was thrilled that they show so strongly here.

I did have a couple of issues that were specific to this story (and have nothing at all to what a fantastic storyteller Rains is) - the death of Jack's friend and the dealings with Grace's mother.

We know that Chris and Jack were out on a boat fishing together and that he ... disappeared, I guess? Did they actually find a body? As I understand it Jack doesn't know when or how he went overboard, that he never heard him cry out or any kind of impact. Everything is so vague about what happened to Chris that I never really figured it out. I don't know if it is intentional and will come into play more later on or if we're just supposed to make assumptions. But I really wanted some kind of closure to it :)

The other is all tied up with Grace's mom and how she treated the Sawyer's all those years ago. Grace has had years living with her mom and can see that she's not the woman she was then but the two families have been avoiding each other all this time. To expect that the guys will just forgive and forget in about two minutes isn't realistic. They've been nursing their wounds for a while and it is going to take them a bit to get over them, even if Jack is sleeping with Grace. I see her side of it but I also understand his and it's not a good situation for either of them so a little patience on everyone's part is needed. It adds some extra drama to what is already a pretty troublesome situation.

Like with her other series, there are a lot of secondary characters that help drag you in and keep you turning pages. I'm definitely looking forward to what comes next for Jack's brothers. I'm pretty sure those two are going to have some more hardship to deal with before they can find their own happy ending.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

Early on I didn't think I was going to like Lanie. I kinda get the whole lying to her aunt thing to make a sick woman feel better but you start to understand that she made up stuff as a young girl too. That kind of bad character trait tends to be off-putting but Lovelace does an amazing job of making her likable. She's sassy, funny, and a bit of a disaster, but she has a huge heart and means well (most of the time :) ).

The story is all from Lanie's POV so we don't get the inner-workings for Nick, but his actions speak pretty loudly. While it is a bit of a hit to his pride, once he decides to help her out he definitely gives Lanie 100%. He does everything he can to sell their relationship but still respect that getting involved is not a good idea for either of them. He's a stand up guy, doing this for his daughter, and he also has a healthy sense of fun. If I had to have a fake husband I would definitely be willing to share my inheritance with him!

~~spoiler alert~~

Buuuuut, I do wish we'd been given some details about Nick's side of things, especially at the end. We get the kiss and make-up and live happily ever after moment, but I had so many questions - about where he went, what he did while he was gone, what he felt, why is he back in charmed, especially if he thought she'd gone to California ... we really don't get much from his side but what we do get is text-book Nick and fantastic!

~~End Spoiler~~

With a lively writing style, full of humor and fun, Lovelace gives her readers a delightful, comical and still heartfelt journey of two people who don't trust in love but find themselves falling anyway. You might know going in that it all ends with a HEA but that doesn't mean they aren't going to screw it up a few times along the way!

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

with Lost Rider you better be ready for the angst! This book is full of all sorts of emotions - both Maverick and Leigh go through a lot to find happiness, plus there are secrets in the Davis family that cause a little tension to go with all the love between these siblings. It doesn't make for a simple read but it definitely helps make a worthwhile one.

I've heard of Sloan before but this is the first of her stories that I've read. And I can guarantee it won't be my last :) She's got a real writing style, delivering earthy country people with a down home realism to them. They are honest and natural in their reactions, living life as big as the Texas sky ... even when it means running from their troubles. But they grow them tough in the South and when push comes to shove they figure things out.

As long as you are OK being a little worn out when you finally get done, Sloan's new series will definitely give you a ride to remember. And have you looking forward to what comes next!

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

Mercy and Lon are absolutely adorable together. He gets her, which she really needs in her life. She's been alone for so long - on her own, without any real support and feeling like she can only really count on herself. Most of that is self-inflected thanks to spending most of her life bouncing around the foster system. She never had the opportunity to make any real connections ... except for one night almost a decade ago. A night is all they had then but it definitely isn't the end for them.
Thanks to that meeting when they find each other again there is a connection that they can't resist. Some may have a little trouble with the almost insta-love between them but they work together so well. I love her bluntness and the way she faces so much head on. Even when she's nervous about meeting family after all this time she does it with spirit, like most things she does. Lon is almost too perfect. He's a hardworking lawman, caring about the people in his town and understands & appreciates Mercy.

Sala is a master at the small-town romance. Her characters are realistic and full of personality, the plots are engaging but not overly complicated, and there's enough home-spun emotion to keep you coming back for more again and again.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

No one is going to be all that surprised by how this one goes - they try a fake relationship, the feelings start getting real, there is a freak out moment from one or both of them, then the make-up and HEA. But that doesn't mean it isn't an enjoyable read. There are some great characters here beyond the main couple. We get Ethan's friends (who are obviously going to get their own books) but there are also a darling spitfire of a grandmother (who will just steal your heart) and quirky townsfolk to add color.

Ethan and Gabby are good together and their agreement is a double-edged sword. While they probably wouldn't have gotten together otherwise, they have a connection that they might have been willing to work with a little better without the parameters they set for it. They both have issues that they need to work through with Ethan's fear of being like his dad & Gabby's bad relationship history and they help each other come to terms with it. It takes some doing, and of course some drama, but they eventually get there. I have to admire Gabby's gumption - the girl stands tall when she needs to and that means a lot.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

My favorite part about this story is how Bybee took what would seem like it should be a big suspense story and made it all about the characters. While we do get the resolution to Jo's dad's death, Making It Right gives us a better insight into what makes Jo tick outside of that. And seeing her fall in love with a really awesome guy!

Jo's made a good life for herself, even if it isn't the one she planned. She's a good sherriff and good for the people of her town - firm but with a good heart. And it is about time that she found someone who will really appreciate it.

I think Gill is just fabulous for her. He lets Jo be her, but he supports her and pushes her when she needs it. He's strong and sure of himself after years as a marine and an agent but he's not overbearing. He's funny and kind and smart. Exactly what tough but sensitive Jo needs.

The whodunit may be a quieter portion of the book than I expected but it isn't overlooked. Bybee does a great job of weaving it into the romance in a way that doesn't short-change either one. And as we find out the why and the who I really enjoyed how it helped to make Jo's dad into a real human, instead of a virtuous ghost whose shadow Jo had been living under for so long. The truth reveals itself slowly through the later part of the book, helping us and her find out what really happened.

After years of worring over her dad's death, and dealing with some guilt as well, having the answers she needs helps Jo not only deal with her past but be able to mover forward into a new future. Maybe one with a big, sexy, tattooed agent in it :)

Well-written as always, Bybee brings another great series to a satisfying close. With characters who easily suck you in and a story-line that keeps you glued to the pages, Making It Right is another must-read.

(While you'll miss out a little about how Jo got involved with the FBI by starting here, plus some of the background between the girls, this really can easily stand on its own.)

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

I'm kinda surprised at how awful Gia's sister is, but Kline does an amazing job of making her believably spoiled, troubled, and self-centered. She's a truly awful person and causes a WHOLE lot of drama. While she could easily have been a little too over-the-top, she manages to work well here.

Unlike Lorena, both Gia and Andrew are hard-working, honest, family-oriented people. After their engagement went sour, Gia has been avoiding Andrew and Andrew has been avoiding his feelings :) Thrown together again when Gia is back to help take care of her father and the family restaurant, it isn't as easy to keep their distance any more. And with proximity comes the chance of fixing some old wrongs and maybe finally move on.

While there aren't a lot of surprises with how things go throughout the book, Kline is a skilled story-teller and keeps it interesting. For all of their angst and issues, I was rooting for Gia & Andrew from the first and was angry on their behalf every time they experienced a set back. They work well as a couple, when they let go of past hurts and misunderstanding, and when they finally get everything figured out I cheered a little ... OK, quite a bit. On the inside. And maybe just a bit on the outside.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

(Maybe 3.5 stars ...)

I've only read one other book by Barker and I remember really enjoying it. She's really good at creating characters and growth that keeps you glued to the pages. However, I will say that this one has a bit of a misstep that bothered me (and quite a few other people according to their reviews and I'll go into it in a minute) but once you get by it things definitely get SO much better.

~There are small spoilers throughout the rest of the review so if you don't want to know any details about the book I'd recommend stopping here. Check out some of the reviews on Goodreads, I saw many that were good without giving away too many secrets.~

Jared is at a crossroads in his life thanks to a career ending injury. Finding out that his sister is pregnant and the father has left her has him moving them both to the country for a little peace and a chance to evaluate. In the short time he's been there, he's only gotten glimpses of his neighbor but not enough to make an impression of her, other than she's reclusive. Mia had a horrible event happen that has left her with severe panic attacks and agoraphobia. She also moved to the country for the peace ... peace that has been disturbed by her new neighbor.

Here's where the possible misstep comes in. The first chapter has Mia seeing Jared have unprotected sex with a woman on his boat dock and she gets turned on by it. Now Barker does use all of that in the rest of the story (but not in the way you'd imagine - there is no "surprise, I'm pregnant" or "I have a disease" moments and the other woman just disappears after Chapter 1). It all starts with Jordy, Jared's VERY pregnant sister, arriving the next day, so of course Mia thinks she's his SO and that he's a cheater. The rest flows into the story in different ways but I think that the introduction of it may bother some. Another review suggested that you could always start at Chapter 2 because Barker does a good job of bringing in the relevant parts of the encounter without the play-by-play details :)

Mia was a professional midwife so you can see how she will end up coming into closer contact with Jared and Jordy. From that point on, there's lots of reflection and growth as both Mia and Jared figure out where they stand and where they are going from here. There're quite a few misunderstandings along the way, but with Jordy's help both of them do a good job of being patient and sensitive to the other. As a group they work hard to get a grasp on the way things are changing and weathering any difficulties that come up.

A Change in Tide is a very emotional read. It's not a quick one, but instead you have take it slowly and digest everything as the characters experience a lot of ups and downs on their way to a HEA.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***