ARC Review: Danger's Heir (Masters' Admiralty #9)

Danger's Heir  (Masters' Admiralty #9)

Mari Carr, Lila Dubois

Blurb:

She fell in love, got married…and it was all a lie.

They expected a mafia princess, but when Rodrigo meets the woman his father is forcing him to marry, he realizes Giada is much more than she seems. Smart and dangerous, she’s the kind of woman he could love…too bad everything he’s about to tell her is a lie.

Casson knows Rodrigo is in too deep. Rodrigo’s undercover mission as the heir to a powerful Camorra don should have ended long ago, but now he’s engaged to the daughter of another dangerous man, and it’s Casson’s job to pull him out.

There’s just one problem. Giada.

She’s nothing either man expected, and everything they want. The last thing they expect is for Giada to invite both of them to her bed.

As the wedding day looms closer, and enemies close in, the line between what’s real and what’s a lie becomes blurred, and Rodrigo and Casson have to decide if love is enough. And if they should tell her the truth.

Unfortunately, there’s someone else waiting in the wings to make sure they never say “I do.”

Themes:  Ménage, Erotica

Rating: 4.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 To be honest I am going to have a really hard time doing one of my standard reviews on this book without giving away a lot of the plot and the twists… so I will just share my thoughts on the book and hope it persuades you to read it too!

This is the latest story in the Masters' Admiralty spin-off series which began with the Trinity Master’s series a long time ago and I have loved every single story in both series, even as they broke my heart and had my in tears again and again as the lover had to go through serious trauma before finding their HEAs.  This newest story between Rodrigo, Giada, and Casson is no less heart wrenching and I almost lost hope that they were going to have their happy ending to be perfectly honest.  Rodrigo is trying his best to bring down the bastard he has discovered is his biological father, a mafia don of the worst level, when he is forced into an engagement with the daughter of another mafia don.  Little does he know that Giada is way more than she seems and is about to totally rock his world and change his perspective on everything in his life.  Then Casson crashes into both their lives and together the three of them are forced into a dangerous and deadly game with the mafic leaders and find themselves quickly falling into a relationship that is more than simple lust.  I loved Giada’s character, she was so complex, brave, strong, and sassy and definitely the perfect match for her men; her intelligence and unwillingness to ever let anyone truly treat her as less showed that she was never meant to be just a piece of arm candy like most “mafia princess” stereotypes. Rodrigo is definitely the quintessential tortured prodigal son, but instead of returning home to join the fold, he’s returning to bring down the dirty bastard that just happens to be his sperm-donor.  He is determined to do everything in his power to right the worst of the evil perpetrated by his father, even if is means going rogue.  I loved seeing him finally finding solace and peace when he started to trust Giada and Casson.  When they were apart seeing the other side of his personality was a true revelation and I loved all the facets of his character and seeing how deep and loving he was with his lovers.  Casson was an enigma for sure, leaving us guessing a bit here and there if his “feelings” for his lovers were just part of his cover, being such a professional in maintain his character undercover, but we slowly begin to see that Giada and Rodrigo were more than he ever expected and pulled out the true Casson, leaving him floundering in his task more than once.  The ending of this story was very unexpected but I loved that they finally had a chance to enjoy their much deserved love and HEA.  Fair warning to long time readers, there are a few moment between our favorite Fleet and Vice admiral that are going to tear your heart out and the epilogue of this one if definitely going to leave us screaming and salivating for the next book in the joint Trinity Masters/Master’s Admiralty series.  Once again our evil Queens are leaving us in terribly painful suspense!

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

Review: Desperate Act (Pike, Wisconsin #4)

 Desperate Act (Pike, Wisconsin #4)

Alexandra Ivy

Blurb:

Teenager Lia Porter shouldn’t have been anywhere near the railroad bridge that night. Sneaking home after a party in the fields outside Pike, Wisconsin, she glimpsed a woman in a leather jacket, running in terror. Lia puts the incident from her mind—until a body is found near the same spot fifteen years later, wearing the same jacket. The police rule it a suicide. Lia knows different. The woman she saw was trying to save her own life, not end it. But whatever she was fleeing from found her first . . .

The stranger who arrives at Lia’s store shares her suspicions. Hollywood stunt driver Kaden Vaughn has come home to Wisconsin to learn the truth about what happened to his brother’s fiancée years ago. The leather jacket, the timing—he believes the dead woman is Vanna, and that Lia may be the only person who can help. Together they retrace Vanna’s steps, but the more they dig, the darker the secrets become.

The killer is still out there, stalking the streets of Pike again, willing to do whatever is necessary to keep the truth locked in mystery. One by one, all those who know something about that night must be silenced, until there is no one left to tell . . .

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

One just can’t go wrong with a spine-tingling murder mystery, especially one that has been lingering for over fifteen years and has haunted two families and a small town that continues to have problems with corruption, serial killers, and dangerous residents. I have found myself more and more intrigued by Alexandra Ivy’s romantic suspense, though I remain partial to her paranormal series, but my favorite is definitely this series. This latest story begins with a young Lia sneaking young after a party she should never have been attending, but she can’t find any proof that she truly saw a woman murdered until fifteen years later when a body is found in the same area and she recognizes the clothes on the body. Hollywood bad boy Kaden Vaughn also recognizes the leaked photos of the clothes on the body and he comes to town to aid in the investigation, insisting that he can be of help.  He knows that the body is his late brother’s fiancé and is determined to find out the truth of what happened to her as a last favor in honor of his brother.  But as Lia and Kaden team up to find out the truth of what happened all those years ago secrets begin to unravel and they soon find themselves at the center of a dangerous conspiracy, one that could cost one or both of them their lives.  There is someone out there determined to silence them and make sure their secret never comes to light, but if they trust in one another and the connection they’ve found in the most unlikely of circumstances, there is the smallest chance they will survive to find the happiness they’ve both always wanted. Kaden was a great character, badass and determined to honor his brother’s memory by solving his finance’s murder, but he was also determined to make sure that Lia stayed safe. He was strong, smart, sweet, kind, and loving even when there were moments, he was just that little bit lost as he was confronted with Lia’s small-town mentality.  I enjoyed seeing him slow down and accept that he doesn’t always have to be going 90-to-nothing in order to be contributing, but can instead just be standing still and ultimately still be happy.  Lia was an enigma on the surface, but her motivations were pure and once we got to know her, she was a great character too.  She’s stayed in her small town, giving up some of her own dreams in order to support her community and make sure that they have what they need, but she has made a real difference.  She is intelligent, witty, dogged, and resourceful as she looks into the past with Kaden.  The heat between these two was one that sneaks up on them but I enjoyed watching them succumb to their passion as they fell in love.  I am looking forward to more in this series, because really who know that there was such a seedy underbelly or killers, corruption, and darkness in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin. Keep it up, Alexandra!

*eARC provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

ARC Review: The Duke Not Taken (A Royal Match #2)

The Duke Not Taken (A Royal Match #2)

Julia London

Blurb:

Impossible. Infuriating. Intoxicating.

Ever since her sister became queen two years ago, Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria, has been flirting and skirting scandal—just barely. Before she does anything too outlandish, she is sent to England and Lila Alexander, illustrious matchmaker to the ton, is recruited. Respectably ensconced at the country estate of a family friend, Amelia is introduced to many eligible bachelors, but…there is no spark. There never seems to be unless the man is completely wrong for her.

Next door lives Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, who is grumpy and reclusive—for good reason. His first wife died in childbirth. When Marley is dragged by a friend to his neighbor’s soiree, he and Amelia instantly dislike each other. Their banter is snarky and heated. He’s a stuck-up smarty-pants; she’s a self-involved, annoying princess.

Sparks fly when they’re together—fireworks actually—but they loathe each other. Really. So why can’t they stop thinking about each other?

Themes:  Historical

Rating:  3.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Ok so to be honest, after the last book in this series, I wasn’t too very sure what to expect out of this second installment in the Royal Match series, but while I can’t say it blew me out of the water, I will say it had me in tears of both laughter and heartache until the very last chapter. Julia London’s newest series revolving around the royal female line of a small (fictional) kingdom in Europe has been one of laughter and tears, with a strange quirkiness to the love story, and a unique nature to her heroes and heroines.  In the first story, the heir (and now Queen) Justine found love in the most unlikely of men and circumstances, and now her younger sister has been making trouble so it’s time for her to settle down in a match that will calm her restless nature.  Amelia has always shined in the spotlight, been allowed to indulge her restless need for adventure, and has seldom had to curb her natural inclinations, but now she is sequestered in a small country estate in England and has been told to behave and find a mate.  The problem is that none of the suitors presented to her meet her requirements for a life-long match and the love she so desperately wants in life, much less the adventure she needs.  A chance meeting with a dark and brooding man sets her blood to boiling and he sparks her desires, but when she discovers his identity so much changes. Joshua, Duke of Marley, just wants peace and quiet to wallow in the tragedy of the death of his wife and child, but now he’s being dragged to balls and forced to deal with loud little girls, angry farm women, and parties for spoiled princesses.  When he finally meets the princess face-to-face his world is turned upside down and the spark of life that has been missing from him is suddenly relit, totally against his will, and he has to fight every moment the pull to the beautiful and infuriating creature that will pull him into the light.  But when they both discover the love that has developed, only they can decide if it is enough to embrace a future together, or if they are destined to both remain forever alone and in the darkness.  I was very surprised by Amelia, but I enjoyed watching her growth throughout the story as she learned how her behavior and speech was perceived by others and learned that sometimes one must hold back ones true feelings in order to maintain a semblance of peace and happiness for all.  She found her true direction in life as well as the love she sought, and is that truly the only adventure we all need in life? I loved how she fought back against those that would quell her spirit and sought to force her to be something she wasn’t, but more importantly that she never allowed herself to forget that she might not be perfect, but she was a good person.  Joshua had definitely lived through a tragedy, but seeing him stuck, blaming himself for something that so often happened in those days, was heartbreaking and reminded me that while that error certainly had its beauty, I’m perfectly happy here in the 21^st century.  He obviously still has so much to give the world, if only he can accept that sometimes thing happen beyond our control, but the things we can control are the most important and what we need to focus on.  I enjoyed watching him laughing when he allowed himself to relax in quiet moments with Amelia, and when he finally allowed himself to love I knew he would be everything she’d ever need.  The sparks between these two never failed to leave me laughing as they challenged one another, fought one another, and ultimately brought out the love of adventure they’d both hidden for so long.  They truly were the perfect match for one another.  I am looking forward to more in the series, if in fact more is coming, but if not hopefully more in the vein of this series is coming which will be just as entertaining.

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

ARC Review: Iron Ember (Skye Druids #1)

Iron Ember (Skye Druids #1)

Donna Grant

Blurb:

Skye isn’t just an island. It’s a home. A refuge. But not to Elodie MacLean. Not anymore. Tragedy tore her world apart and then took the one thing she felt made her whole. She vowed she’d never return, but that’s exactly where she ends up. Now, surrounded by the ghosts of her past, Elodie must navigate her version of Hell and try to make peace with herself and her family. But someone or something doesn’t want her on Skye, and she finds herself attacked—and this time not by her personal demons.

Scott Ryan has a mission: uncover who has been killing Druids and why. When his quest takes him to the beautiful Isle of Skye, he doesn’t think anything could captivate him more than the land itself—until he lays eyes on the breathtaking and confident beauty his leader sent him to find. However, it’s clear that she has trust issues, and he can’t reveal his plans—at least, not yet. But he’s always been sure of his ability to sway a person, and she’s a challenge he's more than happy to accept, especially when he finds he will do anything to protect her.

With so much history and so many secrets, victory is anything but guaranteed for the couple and their allies. And the forces at work, those who wish to rule the Scottish isle and all those who reside there, have a plan that nobody will see coming.

Themes:  Paranormal, Magick, Fae

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

 A new spinoff series begins in the remarkable Dark World of Donna Grant, one revolving around some of our favorite beings—the Skye Druids.  I was a little skeptical that this one would be able to live up to some of the other spin-off series but I thoroughly enjoyed this first book and how it picked up right when the last book in the world of the Reapers left off. This story was filled with intrigue, secrets, betrayals, and ultimately the unexpected love of two people on seemingly opposing sides of the battle. Elodie MacLean has returned to the Isle of Skye in Scotland for only one reason—she’s hit rock bottom and has no other option in her life at the moment. Determined to do what is needed to fix up the family cabin in order to sell it and take her portion of the profit, she is pushing her past and the hideous truths she lived with there away, but the worst part is that she has lost her magick and doesn’t even consider herself a druid anymore.  Scott Ryan is on the isle for only one reason, to bring Elodie back to Edinburgh and get to her join the fight to save the lives of druids everywhere, because he’s been told she is the key to the coming battle.  But once they meet Elodie and Scott’s loose friendship soon turns into so much more as enemies begins to come out of the woodwork and Elodie’s past and list if blown wide open.  They must come to trust in one another and their allies fully or they will lose the battles ahead and most likely the war being fought on so many fronts to end the Druids of Skye, and all druids in the end forever.  I loved this story though I cried through so much of it.  Elodie’s passion for life is just gone, but she never gives up fighting and never quits believing she can find her way back, that strength so much of what makes her such a great heroine.  Scott might have ulterior motives in the beginning, but in the end the only reasons for anything he does is the love he’s developed for Elodie and the fear for her safety at every turn.  I enjoyed reading their love story and seeing the passion sparking between them as they grew closer to one another.  I loved seeing some of my favorite druids from past branches of the overall Grant worlds and seeing them all mingling together for the good of all druids.  I am really looking forward to more in this series and seeing them ultimately kick ass against the hideous villain they don’t even yet realize is in their midst in disguise.  Another masterpiece for Donna Grant and I wish I had even a fraction of her talent.

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

Review: While the Wolf's Away (White Wolf #4)

While the Wolf's Away (White Wolf #4)

Terry Spear

Blurb:

David Davis and his fellow Arctic wolves are seeking a new life in the wilds of Minnesota, away from the controlling pack leader who exploited them. Elizabeth Simpson helped David escape, but the pack leader won't let her go. It'll take everything David and Elizabeth have to get out and make a new home...together.

Themes:  Paranormal, Shifters

Rating:  3.75 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

  A power-hungry alpha leads to all kinds of trouble in the all new paranormal romance by Terry Spear.  I have followed this series and all the little spinoffs for years since I randomly ran across book one on the discount shelf in the bookstore long ago.  I am a huge fan of the series, even when there are installments that go a little slower paced than others, but in the end there is always love, passion, and two people connecting at the deepest level. David escaped from the pack of wolves where he was originally turned a year ago, with the help of the sexy she-wolf he never wanted to leave behind.  Elizabeth had to stay behind to care for her aging grandmother, but time is running out for her and she needs to make her escape if she ever has a chance of being with David.  When her grandmother passes away, cutting all ties to her pack, Elizabeth—with the help of her bestie Sheri—runs to David and the safety of his pack to start their new life.  But will her old life let her go without a fight or will the challenges ahead only be the beginning? I really enjoyed this story, even though there were some slow points, and there was plenty of passion.  Obviously David and Elizabeth have carried on a long-distance relationship for a while, but when they are finally in one another’s arms again the passion between them is explosive.  David is a real sweetheart, but he know how to protect and care for those that he loves.  He’s intelligent, resourceful, and dedicated, in both his work and personal life and I liked seeing how he’d come into his own as a wolf. Elizabeth thankfully didn’t allow the asses in her old pack to beat her spirit down and made sure that when she ran, she was able to get away cleanly and bring the most important thing with her—her only friend.  Her cleverness, perseverance, and power made her an intriguing match for David and I loved watching her find her footing in her new pack, one that would truly appreciate her. I am looking forward to more in this series, and maybe even more about this little pack as well, but whatever comes next I know I will ultimately enjoy.  Terry Spear never lets me down when I decide to delve into a wolf pack to experience the love and devotion that two shifters can share.

*ebook provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

Review: Winning Her Highland Warrior (Time to Love a Highlander #3)

Winning Her Highland Warrior (Time to Love a Highlander #3)

Maeve Greyson

Blurb:

So many things in the past she wants to escape—except one.

Satia St. Clair, a street smart, socially aloof, microbiologist, is literally immersed in her research at a Highland loch when a crumbling ledge tosses her into its murky depths without her diving gear. The last thing she expects is for a 14th century Scottish warlord to pull her to safety.

Not only does he save her, but Kane Macpherson half believes her to be a faerie queen. After all, myth and folklore surround An Lochan Uaine. But even when common sense wins out, something about the beguiling lass demands she be treated like the special woman he instinctively knows she is. And he swears to protect her from anyone or anything. Which could be a problem when she makes the mistake of sharing her otherworldly knowledge of events yet to happen, and it gets back to his liege, Robert the Bruce. Kane soon realizes the greatest danger to Satia is herself. He’s in peril, too. Or at least, his heart is. Fae queen or not, this green-eyed beauty not only possesses the second sight, but the power to capture a man’s heart and soul without even realizing it.

Satia is so drawn to Kane it frightens her. But the last time she let what amounted to nothing more than a stupid infatuation blind her common sense, the lowlife maggot pirated her research, published it under his name, and made her the laughingstock of the scientific community. She refuses to be conned again. And when she discovers a critical link to her cancer study while in the past, she’s determined to get it back to her time. Her best friend’s life and the lives of so many others depend on it. But that means ignoring her heart and leaving Kane behind. Hopefully, just for a little while, but possibly forever.

A string of foster homes taught Satia to never let down her guard or believe in anything silly as love, but Kane makes that so hard to remember. And even worse, when she reverses her trip through time and takes the cure back to the 21st century, home doesn’t feel like home anymore. She doesn’t belong anywhere and mourns the chance at a life she should never have left behind.

Now all she can do is hope to make it back to her Highland Warrior and win him all over again. That is, if the 14th century will let her come back.

Themes:  Historical Scottish, Time Travel

Rating:  4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

I have got to tell you I have read quite a few time travel romances, especially ones set in medieval Scotland, especially since the Outlander craze began, but one of my favorites has become this new series by Maeve Greyson for sure. The series is only loosely connects by the concept instead of being one connected by characters or locales, but I have enjoyed meetings the new characters in each story and seeing each couple tackle their own issues and finding their own ways to handle their differences. Satia is on a mission to clear her name academically so that she can return to work researching cure for the cancer that almost killed her foster sister, the only person she’s ever really loved in this world.  When she almost drowns in the loch while collecting samples and suddenly finds herself flung into the past, into the arms of a strapping and sexy Highlander she has no idea just how important Kane will come to be to her.  Kane rescues the gorgeous lady of the loch but knows immediately there is something different about her despite her protestations.  From her clothing to the way she speaks and behaves, not to mention the way she seems to be able to give details of the present and future no one she know, and he knows he needs to protect her at all costs from enemies and friends alike.  As they spend more time together, working to get Satia safe and find her a place in her new world, Kane begins to love the beautiful stranger and he fears she will leave him as abruptly as she arrived.  When the time comes for her to choose between the love of her sister and this new and untried relationship with a man, will Satia trust in the love he offers or will she return to her time and leave him a broken man.  Oh boy I haven’t met two more broken characters that were prefect for healing one another in ages. Satia was a foster kid that bounced around from a lot of bad situations and the only person she ever connected with was her foster sister, who she almost lost, so she has focused her whole life on keeping her sister alive and well.  The only time she trusted a man—thinking she loved him—he ended up almost tearing her life apart, so trusting Kane is almost impossible, despite how much she feels for him and the way she wants to offer herself fully to him.  The turmoil was real for her, leaving her ripped apart more than once, but I loved her strength and determination in the face of any challenge.  She was clever, sassy, sweet, and when she did open her heart, despite it being a bad situation, she showed that she could be a woman to match Kane if he pulled his head out of his ass.  Kane was such a good guy for most of the story so when he became an asshole I was totally shocked, but I loved the dichotomy that Maeve gave him and showed us that even the bravest and most stalwart of men can be broken by those they offer their hearts too.  He was intelligent, courageous, resolute, considerate, caring and gentle and the most unlikely of moments but when those he cared about were in danger he stepped up to kick butt.  I loved the passionate fire these two generated when they were together and more often than not the heat was enough to have kept a whole house warm through a Highland winter.  I am loving this series and hope it continues for a long time because the magic of Maeve time travelers is beyond entertaining and the love they find with their Highlander warriors is inspiring.

*ebook provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

Review: Unforgiven (Deep Ops #5)

Unforgiven  (Deep Ops #5)

Rebecca Zanetti

Blurb:

Run:

Gemma Falls never expected to use her game theory expertise to outrun a killer. But for years, that skill is all that kept her one step ahead of a deadly stalker. When Gemma gets the chance to teach at D.C. University, she hopes she and her young daughter have found a safe harbor. The only flaw is the arrogant philosophy professor who’s always underfoot giving unwanted advice—in his sexy British accent . . .

Hide:

Jethro Hanson has blood on his hands. He’s working within ivy-covered university halls now, but he knows that his work with the Deep Ops team and the deadly acts he once committed for the sake of Queen and country place him beyond forgiveness—until he meets Gemma . . .

Seek:

Soon, the passion between them stuns them both. But when Jethro discovers a threat is fast overtaking her, he must choose between the redemption he seeks—and releasing the ever-present killer inside . . .

Themes:  Contemporary Suspense

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

  Long-time readers of the Deep-Ops series have been waiting for this one forever, and the sexy British super spy doesn’t let us down in any way! Rebecca Zanetti is one of the few authors that I can honestly say hits every level of reader expectations no matter what sub-genre of romance she is connecting us with—Romantic suspense, Paranormal Romance, or Women’s Lit—but her Deep-Ops series is one that will sometimes leave me feel just creeped out enough by my fellow humans to sleep with the lights on. Jethro left the world of espionage behind years ago, in order to protect his sanity, though he dips his toes into the pool once in a while when the need arises, but his main desire is just to lead a quiet life as a philosophy and history professor at the local college.  When a new visiting professor snags his attention though he knows that something isn’t quite right.  Gemma is on the run with her young daughter Trudy, but she hopes that she can settle for a little while and catch her breath, despite the sexy brit that is haunting her. But all too soon Jethro and Gemma are thrown directly into the path of a dangerous killer, requiring her to trust when she knows that it could get her and her daughter killed.  She knows that there is much more to Jethro than just a simple professor, but she feels she can believe in him for the first time in her life and when the danger becomes deadly  her only choice is to get her whole heart and soul to the man she loves in order for them to survive the threat. Oh man this story tore my heart so many times, from Jethro’s sweet badass nature to Gemma’s traumatic past and the fear she’s lived with, to the way Trudy steal the heart of each member of the Deep-Ops team. Gemma has had so much go wrong in her life she doesn’t really understand when a good thing comes along, but she slowly begins to trust in Jethro and his friends and once she does her life becomes so much more enriched, even though there is danger around every corner she has never been safer.  I loved seeing her finally begin to flourish and find her courage, even if there was never a question about her willingness to do whatever it took to protect her daughter.  Jethro was scary-smart, commanding, sweet, loving, and so perfect for Gemma and her daughter, but seeing him faced with the choice of giving up the woman (and child) he’d fallen for or finding out who was after them all was heater breaking.  I loved watching him outsmarting the cops and ultimately the killer, but the inner fear he worked through was wrenching and reminded us all that just because he was brave doesn’t mean he didn’t feel terrified of losing those he loved.  The passion between Jethro and Gemma as slower to build, mainly because they needed the trust between them first, but the sparks flew every moment until that trust bloomed. I am dying for the next book in this story and to see which of the team finds love and escapades next.

*ebook provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.