Thursday, March 24, 2016

Review: A Love & Murder Christmas by Edie Ramer



Book Blurb:

Good will to all, and peace on Earth. Even to those trying to kill you. 

Adam Donahue lives in the perfect vacation place – Door County, Wisconsin. But his life isn't perfect. His wife was killed by a drunk driver three years ago, and his twelve-year-old daughter has type one diabetes. Now his daughter claims a mythical pooka, in the shape of a giant cat only she can see, is living in her bedroom. It scares him enough to do something he hates – ask for help from his late wife's best friend. 

Lauren Finney's insurance agent husband disappeared four and a half years ago. Good riddance. Her Irish wolfhound is better company than he ever was. And she misses her best friend more than the missing husband, though Adam – her best friend 's widower – makes her heart beat faster. Now it's time to initiate divorce proceedings against her husband, before the prenup restrictions expire and he comes back to claim half her considerable assets. 

As soon as she starts the proceedings, bad things happen. Very bad things. 

Then Adam asks her help with his daughter, and good things happen. Very good things. 

It might be their very best Christmas ... or it might be their very last.

My Review:

I am really enjoying this series by Edie Ramer, and A Love & Murder Christmas is no exception!

Well paced and very intriguing, Edie pulled me right into Lauren and Adam's lives.  The Pooka that Adam's daughter sees is the catalyst to Lauren and Adam getting together, but it doesn't stop there!  Lauren has always been attracted to Adam, but he was her best friend's husband.  Little does she realize he's just as attracted to her, but guilt is a difficult thing to deal with.  At this point in their lives, there just might be a chance for them.  And they seem to just fit together.  Yes, there is tension and inner conflict on both of their parts, but the road to happily ever after isn't always easy.  As Lauren discovers when she starts divorce proceedings against her missing husband and suddenly someone seems out to get her...will she live to see a future with Adam?  Will she find out what happened to her husband?

I loved the well blended mix of paranormal, romance, and suspense in A Love & Murder Christmas!  I liked Adam and Lauren.  Even with a mythological creature inhabiting Adam's daughter's room and someone out to get Lauren they felt like real people.  Their struggles and feelings are believable.

The mystery in A Love & Murder Christmas was great and I couldn't wait to see where Edie took us on this part of the journey!  I loved what she did, the twists, and the surprising outcome.

I felt entranced and hopeful as I read, and all the emotions Edie took me through left me very excited for her next book in this series.  I would highly recommend A Love & Murder Christmas to any romance reader who likes a hint of paranormal and suspense.

5/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com

Review: Marry Me by Karen Stivali



Book Blurb:

When British drummer Ben Davis lost his childhood sweetheart, he vowed to never love again. He immerses himself in his music, which propels him to international stardom and a lavish lifestyle, but has left his heart cold—until he meets creative and sexy clothing designer Julia Jones.

Julia’s career may be skyrocketing, but her personal life tanked when her last boyfriend crossed the line from controlling to violent. Certain that romance is not in the cards for her, she focuses on her career. Then devastatingly sexy Ben strolls into her life and his intoxicating charisma is impossible to resist.

Once Julia allows Ben into her bed and her heart, they fall hard and fast. But when Julia’s life is endangered, Ben’s reaction terrifies her. They both must confront their past demons if they want a chance at a future together.

My Review:

Marry Me by Karen Stivali is a fast paced, quick and steamy read.

The main characters, Ben and Julia really fit together well.  The chemistry between them is sizzling right from the start.  "Marry Me" is what Ben has been saying to Julia for a long time now, and only in semi jest.  Since the death of his wife he's never had more than a passing interest in another woman.  Until Julia.  Julia's last relationship ended in violence, and she's determined to avoid the whole relationship scene now.  Both of them are career driven, and through their careers are together a lot.  Soon they are spending more than work time together and the sparks are Hot!  But when Ben comes to Julia's defense , Julia isn't sure after all if he's the kind of man she wants to be with.

I liked Ben and Julia and how they don't let their pasts over shadow their present.  I could feel the attraction between them, the want and desire they had for each other.  But I could also feel doubt and fear...especially Julia's.   I liked that there wasn't a lot of unnecessary angst, and the only real conflict was when Ben's actions surprised Julia.  I felt like this was handled well in the plot of Marry Me.   Overall I enjoyed watching Ben and Julia come together and hoped they could make it work, because they just seem like they are meant to be together.

There is a lot of explicitness and sex in Marry Me.  This fits somewhat with the chemistry these two characters have, but there is so much that it almost takes over and blurs the main story line of Ben and Julia.

I'd recommend Marry Me to romance readers who like things steamy hot!

3/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com

Review: Falling Hard (Falling for the Freemans Book 2) by Kate Hewitt



Book Blurb:

He didn’t want complications. She was looking for a miracle. 

Quinn Freeman has spent his life avoiding the dangers of commitment, but his reluctant return to his home town that’s in tragedy for his family stirs up memories and emotions he’d intended to leave buried. His arrival lights hope in many hearts including one long dormant. 

Meghan O’Reilly, the town’s only plumber and solo caretaker of her dependent sister, is weighted down with responsibility. She only sees in Quinn a careless charmer who isn’t used to hard work—but she still can’t keep from imagining his kiss... and longing for his touch. 

Surely some things, like a fling between them, can be simple... Or is it possible for a fling to become forever?

My Review:

Falling Hard by Kate Hewitt is a story filled with emotion.  A family tragedy when he was very young meant his family left Creighton Falls and the hotel they had there, and Quinn hasn't been back.  He has no memories of the actual event, but he carries a burden of guilt on his shoulders anyway.  Now he's back, but he won't be staying.  Meghan also carries a load of responsibility on her shoulders...taking care of her sister and supporting them both.  She has no inclination to become involved with someone like Quinn.  He's leaving, in her opinion it's his family's fault the town has declined so much, and she sees only the public image Quinn presents...  The attraction between the two of them is unmistakable, but they are both too emotionally distant and fearful to dare taking a chance.  So a no strings fling seems like it is just the right answer, but is it?

For the most part I liked Meghan.  She is responsible, caring, and a strong willed heroine.  I could understand her resistance to becoming involved with Quinn for numerous reasons.  What I didn't like and what made me feel less connected to her was the responsibility she thrust on Quinn and his family for closing their hotel all those years ago, which in her mind significantly impacted the town's economy.  This happened years ago, and it felt ridiculous that there was so much resentment simmering not only in Meghan but in many of the towns people.  So no, this part of her I did not like and it affected how I felt for her character as a whole.  I liked Quinn and what he was trying to do.  I liked watching his character grow and become so much stronger over the time of Falling Hard.

Kate weaves in some very interesting family dynamics in Falling Hard for both Quinn and Meghan's family's, which at times made things a bit more mysterious and other times more emotional.  I liked this addition to the plot even if I couldn't completely understand the rationale behind Quinn's family's behavior!  It made them flawed and believable.  With a cast of strong secondary characters, Falling Hard was all about family and moving on.

Falling Hard is well paced and held my interest through out with a good mix of tension, conflict, heart, and heat between the main characters.  I'd recommend Falling Hard to romance readers.

3 1/2 stars/5

Purchase from Amazon.com




Review: Return to Silver Bay

Book Blurb:

Maggie wants to bury her past and move on. 
Josh has other plans, and moving on without her isn't one of them.

Maggie Mitchell returns to her hometown of Silver Bay expecting to bury her father, her past, and move on. But when Josh Harden, her high school sweetheart, shows up, her world gets turned around. 

Drawn to Josh, but afraid of their history, Maggie’s head tells her she can handle things alone, but her heart says otherwise. 

Recognizing a second chance when he sees one, Josh is determined to win Maggie’s heart once more and show her that she can trust love and begin again.


My Review:

Return to Silver Bay by Lara Van Hulzen is filled with sorrow, hope, love, and unexpected family secrets.

It took me a little while to figure out Maggie, why she left, and her history with Josh.  At times it felt a bit too long though because I wanted to understand these characters better.  Maggie is really struggling with a lot of things, and her past and family life plays a big role in this.  She's never been able to move on or forget the harsh way she was treated by her father.  This has affected her whole life - from where she lives to relationships she has (or doesn't have).  Returning to Silver Bay is difficult for her for many reasons, and I really found myself hoping she could put the past to rest at last and move on.  An unexpected family secret Maggie discovers casts more shadows and doubts, but at the same time explains a lot for Maggie.  The friendships she has in Silver Bay and the comforting place pull at her, but does she have the strength to stay this time?

For me Maggie was an ok character and my feelings towards her are neutral.  I liked Josh, the caring he shows Maggie, the hope he has, and the gentle way he pursues Maggie.  I liked the secondary characters in Silver Bay and how they all embraced Maggie on her return.

Return to Silver Bay is along the lines of an inspirational romance.  Despite Maggie's inner turmoil, there's no angst, no real conflict, and the story gently flows.

If you enjoy inspirational romances I'd recommend Return to Silver Bay.

3/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Review: Always for You: Jack by Alexis Morgan



Book Blurb:

No one understands family loyalty like Jack McShane. He’d do anything to honor his foster father’s last wishes, even if it means putting his own plans on hold to manage Joe’s construction business. An ex–Special Forces operative, Jack thrives on the thrill of globe-hopping rescues. But now he’s needed closer to home. His foster mother has her hands full with a troubled teen, and when Jack meets the hired tutor, he discovers a woman who stirs his protective instincts—and his deepest desires.
 
Caitlyn Curtis knows that good looks can hide a hot temper. After an abusive marriage crushed her dreams of a happy ending, she swore off men—until one intoxicating dance in Jack’s strong arms breaks down every emotional barrier. Tough but tender, he leaves Caitlyn yearning for more of his gentle seduction. Despite the violence he’s seen, Jack is a good man. And even though passion can be dangerous, the promise of Jack’s kiss tempts her to believe that love is a risk worth taking.


My Review:

The beginning of Always for You by Alexis Morgan drew me in right away with an immediate mix of sad yet hopeful emotions.  I loved how we are first introduced to Jack's mother first, and from there to her three sons.  The instant sense of connection and family between these people was heart warming, and from the start the characters felt real.  I could feel the caring they had for one another.

Always for You is mainly Jack's story, and I really, really like Jack.  With his foster mother and father's love, he overcame a horrible childhood and is an honorable, loyal, good man.  He thinks of others and puts others need above his own.  He's protective and strong, yet he harbors some self doubts that he'll need to put to rest if he wants any kind of future with the woman he finds himself unexpectedly immensely attracted to.  Caitlyn is happy with her life, and she too has overcome a lot.  She's not looking for a relationship or even love, but Jack stirs something inside of her.  I liked how their relationship developed, and the pace of it felt right.  I could sense the connection between them, and hoped that both of them would take a risk on each other.

I liked how Alexis Morgan wove the backgrounds of both Jack and Caitlyn into the plot so that I felt that I got to know them both well.

A foster child - Ricky - that Jack and his mother take in is a strong character in Always for You also, and he is a young man who pulled at my heart as well as Jack's!  I liked how this added a touch of suspense to the plot as well as showed further the big hearts that Jack and his family have.  Told in a few different POV's, this adds a lot of dimension to the plot.

I liked getting to know the basics of Jack's other foster brother's also.  Their role in the plot is smaller but just as significant.  

Always for You has characters that will stay with you long after you put the book down, and I can't wait for the next book to find out more about this dynamic family!

Well paced, smoothly written and heart filling, I'd recommend Always for You to any romance reader.

5/5 stars!!

Purchase from Amazon.com



Review: Lake of Dreams by Linda Howard



Book Blurb:

Dreams and reality collide—with potentially deadly consequences—in this stunning novella from New York Timesbestselling author Linda Howard, available for the first time as a standalone ebook at an unbeatable price!

House painter Thea Marlow hasn’t been sleeping very well. Her nights are plagued by dreams, the setting by the water and the mysterious man who appears in them always the same. But the outcome of the dream changes nightly: sometimes the man loves her...and sometimes he kills her. Desperate for some much needed relaxation, Thea travels to her family’s remote country lake house. Imagine her surprise when a knock at the door reveals the man from her dreams...who happens to have just rented the house next door.

So will he love her—or will he kill her?

My Review:

Lake of Dreams by Linda Howard is a scary at times, suspenseful, and passionate read.  I really enjoyed this novella, and felt that the length was perfect for the story being told.

Linda's descriptions of the main characters, especially how Thea sees Richard brought them vividly to life and at times I felt I was right there with them.

Lake of Dreams has a good blend of paranormal, suspense, and romance.  The plot took a turn I didn't see coming and I loved this!  The conclusion made me feel satisfied and hopeful for love for all time.  I'd recommend Lake of Dreams to any romance reader who is looking for a quick, satisfying read.

4/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Review: Heart Like Mine (Echo Lake #2) by Maggie McGinnis


Book Blurb:

ONLY LOVE CAN HEAL A BROKEN HEART

Delaney Blair loves her job at Echo Lake's Mercy Hospital, where she's developed a reputation for being smart, fair, and driven. When she's assigned to cut funding, she has to temporarily relocate her office, put on borrowed scrubs, and go toe-to-toe with Dr. Joshua Mackenzie, the interim head of the pediatrics department. His killer smile and rock-star body are distractions Delaney could do without, but she's determined to stay focused while she brings his budget into line. It's not working.


Beloved by his colleagues and patients alike, Josh is too busy caring for sick kids to talk numbers with the sexy, stiletto-clad Delaney. Every time they talk business, tensions run high…but so does a powerful attraction neither of them can ignore. When an emergency brings Mercy to its knees, Delaney and Josh must work together to save lives. But can they also find a way into each other's hearts?

My Review:

Heart Like Mine by Maggie McGinnis not only highlights a lot of the issues health care faces, but it brings two people who at first appear to be opposites vividly to life.

I really liked Delaney.  She was doing a challenging job she was good at with no apologies, and tried really hard.   I liked the layers to her, that she didn't beat around the bush, and yet she didn't toot her own horn.  I liked Josh a lot too.  He also has a challenging job, one he gives his heart to.  There is an immediate attraction between Delaney and Josh despite conflict and tension, and it simmers well to a boil!  Despite their differences, they are really quite similar.  Both of them are dedicated, caring, and compassionate people.  Neither is looking for love (no time!), and they try valiantly to resist the passion between them.  I enjoyed the banter between them.  The pieces of humor mixed with deep emotion were well written in and very realistic.  I was enchanted as they got to know each other and each other's work on a deeper level.  While neither of them thinks a romance between them is a good idea or that it would work, I liked the progression and pace of their relationship.  It was believable.  I liked how these characters grew and developed over the course of Heart Like Mine, and felt like I really got to know them as they got to know each other and even worked together.

The main plot, the cuts Delaney is expected to find in Josh's department created a lot of strain at times between them.  I liked how this was dealt with and what Delaney and Josh did to try to work things out.  Heart Like Mine is not a stereotypical medical romance and it was refreshingly unique.

It was fun being back in Echo Lake and seeing previous characters.   I liked how they were woven into the story seamlessly tying into Delaney and Josh's world, making Heart Like Mine easily a stand alone book.  There are a few unexpected twists that Maggie throws in that really livens things up even more!

I found Heart Like Mine to be a well paced read flowing with emotions.  I liked where Maggie went with this journey for Delaney and Josh.  Heart Like Mine also highlights for me, the differences in health care systems and made me even more grateful for the health care system where I live!  I'd recommend Heart Like Mine to any romance reader!

4/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com



Review: The Little French Guesthouse (la cour des roses #1) by Helen Pollard



Book Blurb:

Sun, croissants and fine wine. Nothing can spoil the perfect holiday. Or can it? 

When Emmy Jamieson arrives at La Cour des Roses, a beautiful guesthouse in the French countryside, she can’t wait to spend two weeks relaxing with boyfriend Nathan. Their relationship needs a little TLC and Emmy is certain this holiday will do the trick. But they’ve barely unpacked before he scarpers with Gloria, the guesthouse owner’s cougar wife. 

Rupert, the ailing guesthouse owner, is shell-shocked. Feeling somewhat responsible, and rather generous after a bottle (or so) of wine, heartbroken Emmy offers to help. Changing sheets in the gîtes will help keep her mind off her misery. 

Thrust into the heart of the local community, Emmy suddenly finds herself surrounded by new friends. And with sizzling hot gardener Ryan and the infuriating (if gorgeous) accountant Alain providing welcome distractions, Nathan is fast becoming a distant memory. 

Fresh coffee and croissants for breakfast, feeding the hens in the warm evening light; Emmy starts to feel quite at home. But it would be madness to walk away from her friends, family, and everything she’s ever worked for, to take a chance on a place she fell for on holiday – wouldn’t it? 

My Review:

The Little French Guesthouse by Helen Pollard is smoothly flowing read with an interesting plot.

Emmy finds herself in a unique circumstance when on vacation with her boyfriend.  She soon finds herself single and helping the guesthouse owner run the guesthouse.  As she does this, she slowly starts to feel very at home in this town as she makes friends and feels their acceptance of her for just her.  This and the blooming relationships she is developing is going to make it very difficult for her to leave...and she will have to find in her heart what it is she really wants.

I enjoyed The Little French Guesthouse.  I loved the place and the people.  It is a place that just feels good.  Helen really does a great job of bringing it to life.

Emmy is a little quirky but likable.  Rupert, the guesthouse owner was a great character to get to know under that gruff exterior!  The friendships Emmy starts to develop felt real, and they felt good for Emmy.  The gardener Ryan sure sends sparks off, something I just didn't feel between Emmy and Alain.

I liked where Helen took me in The Little French Guesthouse and where she took Emmy on her journey.   This is a well paced book that has some conflict, but not a lot, and  a lot of inner turmoil for Emmy.

I'd recommend The Little French Guesthouse to women's fiction readers.

3/5 stars


Friday, March 11, 2016

Review: Prime Target by Ellis Vidler


Book Blurb:

Suspense with a love story. Adult language and situations. After witnessing her husband's murder, Madeleine Schier becomes a killer's target. She flees her upscale New York life to become a name on a tombstone, relying on her wits and imagination to survive in a world where danger is everywhere. One wrong move could be her last. Should she trust the damaged recluse who's always near? Before long, her new life turns into her old nightmare when crimes that were once distant horrors on the nightly news turn up on her doorstep.

My Review:

Ellis Vidler consumed me from page one of Prime Target!  Prime Target starts with a good mix of mystery, suspense and fear that only increases as the plot progresses.

When Madeline witnesses her husbands murder and not even the police can keep her safe, she escapes from big city to New York and ends up on an apple orchard in a small town.  With a new identity and a new beginning, Madeline is cautiously living her life in anticipation of having to return for the trial of her husband's murderer.  Little does Madeline know that her small town, and not even her property is safe from danger.  Has she gone from one evil to the next?  Charlie Dance is seemingly a recluse living on the mountain near her property.  A cautious friendship is formed, even though they both surprisingly feel so much more.   There is much more to Charlie than what meets the eye...as suspicious as he is about everything and everyone, he feels protective towards Madeline...and a lot more.  Madeline likes who she sees and who she knows Charlie is under his layers of protection.  And as the two are drawn together, danger is drawing close too.  A danger that is putting them both in danger.

I loved the strong hero and heroine in Prime Target.  Madeline is cautious and scared but oh so brave!  She seems to have an innate ability to feel good or wary about certain people she comes into contact with, and this will definitely work in her favor.  I liked how accepting she was of Charlie...she at times relates them to Beauty and the Beast which really says it all.  Charlie is a man to love, scars and all!  I liked getting to know him as the layer's that make up Charlie are peeled away.  He is very protective of Madeline, often going way outside of his comfort zone to help her.  Together I could feel the connection between them and I liked the slow build of trust, friendship and then more between them.  They felt so right together, and I liked how they came together.  It felt real and good.  But I was as worried as they were about what would happen when/if the danger was stopped.  Madeline misses her life in New York, and Charlie is not meant for New York.  But are they meant for each other?

The suspenseful part of the plot is intricate but easy to follow and builds quickly very well.   At times it was unexpected and at other times parts of it was heartbreaking.  Real life issues are dealt with in Prime Target, and I liked how attention was brought to this issue in Prime Target.  

There are good, bad, interesting, and I want to know more type secondary characters in Prime Target who blend in well with the plot.  Some of them could take on a life of their own I felt like, and I hope to see more of them.

Very well written, I had a hard time putting Prime Target down, wondering what would happen next!  I'd highly recommend Prime Target to any romantic suspense reader!

5/5 Super stars

Purchase from Amazon.com

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Review: Marry Poppins (Impossible Dream #3) by Beth Ciotta



Book Blurb:

When fate bobbles your dream, sometimes you have to make your own magic…. 
Award-winning author Beth Ciotta presents 'Marry Poppins', the third book in the contemporary fairy tale series—Impossible Dream—celebrating hope, love, and the magic of the human spirit!

Reader Advisory: Feel-good romance with humor and heart! Mild sexual content and profanity. For fans of quirky love stories.

BOOK DESCRIPTION
She wants a family. He needs a wife. A marriage-of-convenience solves a myriad of problems for unlucky Georgie Poppins and down-on-his-luck Bryce Morgan. Falling in love wasn’t part of the bargain so no one is more surprised than Georgie and Bryce when sexual sparks ignite a full-blown romance. Unfortunately, as love swells, trouble mounts, including a glitch at Impossible Dream.com—an Internet company designed to match people with their most avid desire. Maybe Georgie and Bryce weren’t meant to be after all.

My Review:

Marry Poppins by Beth Ciotta is a well paced small town romance with a lot of emotion.  All Georgie has ever wanted is a husband and children...a family of her own.  This has eluded her though, so she turns to unconventional means to achieve her dreams - Impossible Dreams.com.  With no response from them after a few months, Georgie has all but given up.  Then the man she's secretly always loved has a need she can fulfill...what starts off as a convenient arrangement soon starts to feel like so much more.  But is it meant to be?  Time and trust will tell...

I enjoyed this saga in Beth Ciotta's Impossible Dream series.  Georgie is a strong heroine who I really felt like I got to know in Marry Poppins.  With a fairy tale feel to it, Georgie puts a lot of faith in Impossible Dreams.com and starts to doubt herself at times and her real life decisions.  This is an interesting part of the plot, because Georgie and her friends really believe in the magic of Impossible Dreams.com, and I liked how this was written in to reflect on their lives.  I really liked Georgie, and the more I got to know her the better I understood her.  She is fun, entertaining and smart, but she hides a lot of insecurity underneath it all.  I really felt for her at times.  I liked Bryce, even if I didn't get to know him as well as I felt like I knew Georgie as Marry Poppins progressed.  This worked well though, and his layers are slowly peeled away.  I liked the chemistry between them, the connection, and the underlying feeling of rightness...even if they couldn't always believe in it.

I liked how Beth brings Georgie and Bryce together as adults, and watching their relationship grow was heart warming.

I really like the group of girl friends that is part of every Impossible Dream book.  They demonstrate true friendship in the best ways.  All of the secondary characters are strong additions to Marry Poppins, and I particularly like Bryce's father.

With skeletons from the past to deal with and present day trouble, living in the present is a good lesson to take away from this...live your dreams!

I'd recommend Marry Poppins to any romance reader!

4/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Review: Find Me (The Donovan Family #3) by Margaret Watson



Book Blurb: 

After witnessing the murder of an FBI agent in a parking garage late one night, Lizzy Monroe meets with the FBI and agrees to work with a sketch artist. But on her way out of the office, she comes face to face with the killer – another FBI agent. She knows from experience what happens when a criminal is a member of law enforcement – cops protect their own. So when the killer shows up at her door later that morning, she knows she has no choice but to run. 

From the moment he sees her, Mac Donovan is intrigued by – and in lust with – their beautiful witness. After Lizzy disappears, he spends his free time tracking her down. When he finally finds her on a remote island in the San Juans, their chemistry is explosive and the sex is even hotter. But he's hiding his identity from her. What will happen when she discovers who he really is? Will she be able to forgive his betrayal? Or will the killer find them first? 

My Review:

In Find Me, Margaret Watson took me right into heart pounding action and didn't let me go!  This was a great start to Find Me - I felt like I was thrown into the plot right along with Lizzy.

Lizzy is a likable, admirable heroine.  She tries to do the right thing despite her fears and trust issues.  Because Margaret did a great job of building her character, I could understand Lizzy and her reaction to the situation she suddenly found herself in.  I really wanted Lizzy to be safe, but I also wanted her to be able to live her life without fear.  I liked how Margaret worked up to this and how the plot played out.  Mac is a solid hero also.  An FBI agent who is mesmerized from the first time he sees Lizzy, he can't let it go when she disappears.  He believes in the good and doing the right thing.  He also believes in the people he works with.  I liked Mac, and I could understand his dilemma.  When he finally finds Lizzy, the spark is still there...but can he trust her?  Can she trust him?  And most of all, can he believe in her? 

There is nothing easy about this case, and I liked how Margaret kept the plot alive with a working blend of suspense and heat!  I liked that in Find Me we know the who...but we don't know the why or what, or how far he will go.  Find Me was an exciting, mesmerizing, fast paced read that I had trouble putting down.

It is a believable plot.  Corruption exists, but there is also always more good to outweigh it.  

I loved all of the secondary characters, especially Lizzy's dog and Mac's family.  I felt like this was a family that I could be a part of, and I liked the connection between them all.  The secondary characters add a lot of extra depth and feeling in their own special way to Find Me.

I'd recommend Find Me by Margaret Watson to any romantic suspense reader!

4/5 stars

Purchase from Amazon.com

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Stop at Nothing (Protect and Serve #1) by Kate SeRine



Book Blurb:

When a high-profile investigation goes wrong, FBI Agent Kyle Dawson is transferred back home where he is forced to confront his demons…and the only woman he ever loved. Three years ago, Kyle and Abby Morrow shared a wild, passionate summer—then Abby broke his heart.

NOW SHE NEEDS HIS HELP
Kyle never stopped loving Abby. So when Abby uncovers evidence of a human-trafficking ring, leading to her sister’s kidnapping, he swears he’ll stop at nothing to bring her sister home and keep Abby safe. Caught in a lethal game of cat and mouse and blindsided by their own explosive desires, they must set aside the past before it’s too late.

My Review:

In Stop at Nothing by Kate SeRine, Kyle and Abby have a distant past yet unhealed, and have not seen each other for years.  Suddenly, due to just the right mix of circumstance, they are unexpectedly brought back together - to each other and to danger.  Abby's forensic investigations and Kyle's work with the FBI on the surface look like a good mix...but maybe not so much professionally.  The personal hurt and heart break is still simmering between them, along with some unanswered questions about their abrupt break off.  One neither of them has ever really recovered from.  As they work together to fight evil and save the innocent, the personal and professional lines blur...and just as things start to become clearer they might not have a future after all...

Kyle and Abby are strong main characters.  There were parts about them I liked and parts I didn't particularly care for at different times in the story.  This made them very real for me.  Both of them grew on me, Kate's writing made me feel for them, for their past and present, gave me hope for them, and as their characters developed I liked them more and more.  The possible second chance they find themselves faced with was a tumultuous journey, made even more difficult due to the circumstances that brought them back together.  The suspenseful part of the plot is fast moving, creepy at times, and kept me guessing!  I liked how Kate did this and kept the story moving along at a good pace so I was never bored, just wondered what would happen next!

I also enjoyed the secondary plots in Stop at Nothing and the secondary characters that came with them.  The family dynamics that make up a lot of who Kyle is were an interesting mix to the plot, and worked well with it and his character.  I liked watching these relationships grow and change.

Moving on from a past that is almost as haunting as the present time but in completely different ways, Stop at Nothing is intense and suspenseful, filled with tension, conflict, heat and heart.  I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any romantic suspense reader.

4/5 stars

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