Review: Her SEALed Fate (Sutton Capital #7) by Lori Ryan

Book Blurb:

He thought he left the battlefield behind. 

Logan Stone should be happy. More than happy, in fact. He’s Sutton Capital’s newest executive, working side-by-side with Samantha Page, the sexy, brilliant woman of his dreams. He’s no longer overseas in the line of fire fighting for his country and his brothers-in-arms as a Navy SEAL. But Logan is fighting a different kind of battle; one no one realizes he’s in. While he’s focused on managing his PTSD, something much more sinister enters his world and he must battle to save Samantha’s life and their growing love. 

With all the heart stopping action and heartwarming romance NY Times bestselling author Lori Ryan has come to be known for, this stand-alone installment to the Sutton Capital Series won’t disappoint romantic suspense readers and fans!

My Review:

Her SEALed Fate by Lori Ryan is a powerful romantic suspense that captured my heart and made me feel like few books can.  I loved Sam and Logan's story.  It's one of those books that will stay with me for a long time.

Sam is a computer expert working for Sutton Capital.  Although she is smart and thoughtful, she has no idea of her beauty and lacks self confidence outside of work.  When Logan a former Navy SEAL joins Sutton Capital, he will be working closely with Sam.  For both of them there is an instantaneous attraction, but Logan is not at a place in his life where he can even contemplate a relationship.  Logan had a difficult childhood, and now suffering from PTSD after his SEAL life, he is working hard to over come this.  He doesn't know if he'll ever feel ready or safe enough to be with anyone.  Sam and Logan do become close though.  Sam sees inside Logan, she likes what she sees, and she will be there for him.  With a little push, Logan starts to slowly gain some footing in his life again and starts to feel good again.  But an unexpected threat and danger to Sam threatens to take not only her away, but what Logan felt like he was finally moving on from.  Danger brings out the best, and the worst...Can Sam find the source of danger and stop it or will it be too late for either of them?

Sam and Logan are so good together.  The chemistry between them is unmistakable, they are so good for each other in so many ways, and it felt like this is a couple who are just meant to be together.  I liked how they were with each other.  I liked how Sam was with Logan, how she understood and she pushed when she had to.  She wasn't scared of him, she was scared for him.  He meant enough that she would wait for him, even though to Sam he is already whole, she knows he's hurting and suffering.  I loved Sam.  She is a unique character who felt real to me (I can easily think of people in my life who might be like her).  

As much as Her SEALed Fate is a romantic suspense, it is just as much, if not more so about Logan.  His past, his present, his future.  Lori's research on Logan's character and PTSD is obvious and shines through, making Logan a believable man.  The struggles he has gone through in the past, the struggles he goes through now tore at my heart.  Seeing how he coped, what he did, how he tried to overcome was such an emotional, heart wrenching experience for me.  I felt a lot of hope for Logan as he took this healing journey.  The danger that he and Sam face is a lot for Logan and a possible relationship, and he tries to back away.  I liked what Lori did here in the story, if possible she just made me feel even more.  There is no quick, easy fix and she demonstrated well what was happening in Logan's head as well as for Sam.

The suspenseful part of the plot is well done.  I liked that as the reader I knew what was going on, but the characters obviously did not know!  This gave the bit of edge that steals your breath at times.

There is so much woven seamlessly into the plot of Her SEALed Fate and Lori brought it all vividly to life.  She kept me turning the pages with a perfect pace.  Nothing felt rushed, just right.  Her SEALed Fate is very well written, easy to follow, and well researched.  A cast of secondary characters who fit in well and are meant to be here at this time complement Logan and  Sam's story expertly.  I really liked Sam's family!  I liked the family dynamics around Logan and his father and how this was explored.  The Sutton's are a great group of people, people I'd happily have as friends.

There was nothing I didn't like about Her SEALed Fate, and no review I write could do it justice.  It was one of the best books I've read in a long time.  Lori gives us it all in Her SEALed Fate...pain, healing, hope, humor, romance, just enough heat at the right time, danger, suspense, fear, love, and so much more.   My heart felt so full of a mix of everything!

Part of the Sutton Capital series, Her SEALed Fate can easily be read as a stand alone.   I would highly recommend Her SEALed Fate to any reader who is looking for a fantastic book that will take you away then leave you feeling undone when it's all over.  In the best possible way.

5/5 Super Stars!!

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Review: The Billionaire's Deception (Amalfi Night Billionaires #2) by Mimi Wells

Book Blurb:

After quitting her first “real” job, Janine Pike takes off for Europe, saving an excursion to the famed Isola del Sole for last. But when her travel-mates sail off with her backpack, phone, and passport after a night of partying, she’s left only with the euros in her pocket and the faint hope that her estranged half-sister, who works at the renowned Hotel Dei Fiori Isola del Sole, might help her. 

Shel Myerson, amateur racecar driver and wildly successful TV mogul, oozes wealth and prestige. What he doesn’t have much of is privacy, thanks to a recent and ugly public breakup. What he doesn’t expect is to be mistaken as an employee by a very pretty—and very broke—Janine, the one person in Europe who also doesn’t have any idea who he is. 

Shel and Janine discover their chemistry is combustible—but will their budding relationship survive the heat once the press catches on?

My Review:

The Billionaire's Deception by Mimi Wells was a great trip to Isola del Sole.  Janine is on a European adventure after quitting a job she hates.  Not only does she hope to have fun and decide where to go in her life that will make her happy, she is there to meet her half sister that she never knew she had.  Unexpected events leave Janine stranded, but sometimes things happen for a reason... Not only does Janine find her sister and a fulfillment she has never had before, she meets a man who will steal her heart...if he doesn't leave it broken first.

Shel is hiding out in Isola del Sole for his own reason.  Famous but seeking sanctuary, he is pleasantly surprised that Janine has no idea who he is.  This makes the pull they have towards each other much more real for Shel, and he finds himself thinking about her and wanting to be with her more and more.  The feeling is mutual, but Shel keeps his secret and even goes as far as involving others.  Secrets like his never stay hidden though, will the fall out mean the price of any future with Janine?

I enjoyed this quick escape to Isola del Sole in The Billionaire's Deception.  I really liked Janine, and she grew so much in this story in a fast but believable pace.  I liked that with all the things happening in her life with her family she didn't blame anyone, she just wanted to move forward to the next step.  She has a strong, supportive family she loves but still wonders how things might have turned out differently.  Janine's character is strong, motivated, and will not take advantage of others.  Her relationship with Shel progresses quickly, and they both develop strong feelings for each other in a believable way.  I understood why Shel started off not telling Janine who he was, but I felt like he kept his secret too long and I was really nervous what would happen when the truth finally came out!  

The start of a sister relationship in a mature way was a great part of The Billionaire's Deception.  It was nice to be back in the same setting and see characters from the first book in this series.  However, if you haven't read the first book, The Billionaire's Deception can be read as a stand alone.  I like the little bit of intrigue/mystery thrown subtly into the plot that I hope will carry through the rest of the books in this series.

A great escape in a gorgeous setting that is easy to picture, I'd recommend The Billionaire's Deception to any romance reader looking to get lost in a quick, enchanting read!

4/5 stars

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Review: The Sea Keeper's Daughters (Carolina #3) by Lisa Wingate

Book Blurb:

Wingate's third Carolina book follows the highly reviewed, The Prayer Box and The Story Keeper as well as related three novellas.

From modern-day Roanoke Island to the sweeping backdrop of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and Roosevelt’s WPA folklore writers, past and present intertwine to create an unexpected destiny. . .

Restaurant owner Whitney Monroe is desperate to save her business from a hostile takeover. The inheritance of a decaying Gilded Age hotel on North Carolina’s Outer Banks may provide just the ray of hope she needs. But things at The Excelsior are more complicated than they seem. Whitney’s estranged stepfather is entrenched on the third floor, and the downstairs tenants are determined to save the historic building. Searching through years of stored family heirlooms may be Whitney’s only hope of quick cash, but will the discovery of an old necklace and a depression-era love story change everything.

My Review:

The Sea Keeper's Daughters by Lisa Wingate is an intricate tale that weaves the past and present in a memorable way.  When Whitney returns to the place of her childhood summers with the intention of cleaning The Excelsior out and selling it, she is completely unprepared for the journey she finds herself on.  With a lot of turmoil in her life, Whitney is prepared to just sell and move on...but history just won't let her.  The pieces of her family's history she finds surprised and intrigued her, and letting go of it all might not be as easy as she wants it to be.

I loved how Lisa brought the past to life in The Sea Keeper's Daughters - how history and old letters have a chance to change the present and the future.  I liked how this made Whitney pause, think and really question what she was doing and why because I felt like Whitney started off in The Sea Keeper's Daughter with a very single minded focus.  In the beginning I had a difficult time liking Whitney, but as the story grew and her character evolved it was really good to see the person she was growing into.

The characters in The Sea Keeper's Daughters all form a great mix.  There is a great variety of conflict, tension, humor, warmth, caring and thought in The Sea Keeper's Daughters from all of them.  It was interesting to get to know them all and then get to know them better as the story progressed.  All of them are realistic and could be someone just down the street from you.  They all had unique stories and together added a lot of dimension to the plot.  The interactions Whitney has and her relationships with the other characters are all a little different.  I really liked and could see the growth of relationships in The Sea Keeper's Daughters.  At times intense and angsty, Whitney in particular grew and developed significantly.

I was intrigued to see what Whitney would end up doing, and the wrap up to The Sea Keeper's Daughters is unexpected and fulfilling.

The Sea Keeper's Daughters by Lisa Wingate is part of her Carolina series, but can easily be read as a stand alone as I did.  A nice mix of historical and present day, I'd recommend The Sea Keeper's Daughters to any women's fiction reader.

4/5 stars

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Review: His Lover to Protect (Out of Uniform #3) by Katee Robert

Book Blurb:

He's never met a challenge he couldn't take...

Alexis Yeung did everything right....only to watch everything go horribly, horribly wrong. Broken and angry, Alexis high-tails it to Europe, determined to face the world on her own terms and without consequence. Which includes a mind-blowing night with a sexy, scarred stranger.

Except, embittered former pararescuer Luke Jackson isn't exactly a stranger. He's supposed to keep an eye on Alexis without her knowing. Ending up in bed together was definitely not the plan. Now he's chasing her (admittedly hot) ass across Europe, a game of cat and mouse that always ends with the two of them tangled up in the sheets.

Something in their scarred, damaged souls calls to each other. And God help them, the sex in unbelievably hot. But if Alexis discovers who Lukereally is, he'll lose the one thing that makes him feel whole...

My Review:

His Lover to Protect by Katee Robert is a steamy, fast paced, unexpected romance.  Alexis is hurting from what life has thrown at her and when she decides to take off for Europe sending only a text message to her sister, her sister and brother in law decide to send someone to watch over Alexis.  Luke is only there to make sure Alexis is safe.  He's not happy about it, he has enough going on in his life.  Hurt physically and emotionally, he does not want to be trailing around Europe following Alexis, but as a favor he's doing this.

Little does he expect Alexis to end up in his bed and in his heart.  It's not what either of them were looking for, and neither of them are sure they even want more.  But as they end up travelling through Europe together, through the push and pull of their developing relationship something more starts to develop.  Can it last?  Or is this a vacation fling that will come to a screeching halt when Alexis discovers who Luke really is?

I haven't read the previous books in this series, but was able to jump into His Lover to Protect easily.  I liked Alexis and Luke and the hidden depths that they have.  They do come together very quickly, but sometimes this just happens...in real life too!  Alexis appears strong, but she is fragile inside and I really felt her emotions while I was reading.  Luke has his issues also, but as gruff as he is, I felt a pull towards him as well.  I felt like these two developed a great connection quickly, and they were really good for each other.  They helped build each other up and this brought them closer faster.  Katee did a great job of portraying the feelings of Luke and Alexis.  They were real and they really helped bring the characters to life.  Katee also makes what each of them is going through believable, and my heart was with both of them.

I dreaded what would happen when Alexis found out who Luke really was though.  It wasn't something he could keep secret forever, and it seemed like heart ache was in both of their futures.  Although for me it seemed like Luke kept his secret far too long, it worked for the plot of His Lover to Protect.

The family dynamics that were significant for Alexis were well written and explained, and it made me feel for her even more.  They were very interesting from her grandfather's treatment of her to her sister's inability to think a grown woman could take care of herself.  

The secondary characters in His Lover to Protect are very much on the periphery of the plot.  This is really Luke and Alexis's story.

I'd recommend His Lover to Protect to any romance reader looking for a sexy, fast read.  

4/5 stars

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Review: Her Secret Love (Secrets of Cherry Lake, #3) by Paula Altenburg

Book Blurb:

Whoever claimed it’s better to have loved and lost has never met Jess Palmer. 

Small business owner and metalworks artist Damon Brand finally has his future in sight when his past rattles into town in a broken down car stuffed with designer clothes and sky high heels. The last time he saw Jess, he declared his undying love. In return, she stranded him by the side of the road, taking his boots, pants and the tattered remnants of his heart. 

So much for the bright lights of LA. Failed actress Jessica Palmer arrives back in Cherry Lake, Montana homeless, destitute, and desperate. She’s hoping her grandfather will let her have her inheritance early so she can make a fresh start—anywhere but Cherry Lake. No deal. She has to stay for six months and get a job to prove she’s matured. Not easy in a town where she flamed all her bridges in order to flee a wild child reputation and her high school sweetheart. 

With every door that’s slammed shut in her face, Jess grows more determined than ever to prove she’s changed, even if it means she must turn to her first love, Damon, for a job at his gas station. Surely 10 years is enough time for him to forgive and forget… 

My Review:

In Her Secret Love (Secrets of Cherry Lake #3) by Paula Altenburg, coming back to Cherry Lake is not something that is high on Jess's to do list.  But left almost penniless and with no where else to go, Jess has no choice but to return.  Home to her grandfather who is the only person she thinks will help her.  His help comes with strings though, and Jess ends up having to stay in Cherry Lake a lot longer than she wants to.  Not only that, but she has to find employment and prove that she is capable of working, instead of just taking her inheritance and running again.  Unfortunately, small town Cherry Lake has a long memory, and the memories they have of Jess are not nice ones.

Help comes from an unexpected person...someone Jess probably hurt the most all those years ago.   Damon still feels the hurt, betrayal and pain from all those years ago.  But he's willing to give Jess the chance, a surprise both of them.  As they spend more time together, going from uncomfortable, awkwardness to really enjoying each other, they seem to bring out the best in each other...but is it enough?  Or will Damon's heart be broken again?

These two main characters and their second chance is a tumulous road to travel.   I didn't know how things would end up.  Jess is determined not to stay in Cherry Lake, and Damon's life is there.  I wasn't even sure if I wanted these two to be together.  Jess really has not been a nice person.  And though she had her ways for acting the way she did, it seems that it became so ingrained in her it just became who she was.  I understand she has her difficulties and issues, but she was a difficult character for me to connect with.  She did grow on me and she was certainly a believable character, but it took her a long time to grow up.  I really liked Damon.  Even though he hasn't quite forgiven Jess for the past, he's trying.  He's responsible and really feels a huge responsibility for others.  Often at the cost of what he'd like in life.  He's a hard worker, and just came across as a genuinely great guy who everyone would want to be around.  He looks past the surface that Jess has mastered, and sees more than anyone else.  He really seems to get her and he genuinely cares for her, which I found very heart warming.  Their journey is an interesting one, and even if I didn't care a great deal for Jess she is a good heroine in Her Secret Love.  In her own way she is just as good for Damon as he is for her.  Both of these characters really grew and developed well, especially Jess.

I liked being back in Cherry Lake, and I liked how Paula explored the various dynamics of life in a small town...the ups and downs.  I liked the various family dynamics that are involved in this story, even if we didn't actually see a lot of Damon and Jess's families they certainly have a significant impact on their lives past and present.

Her Secret Love is part of a series, and some characters we've seen in previous books, but this book can definitely be read as a stand alone.

Her Secret Love is well paced, easy to read and feel a part of.  I'd recommend it to any romance reader.

3/5 stars

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Review: Too Hard to Handle (Black Knights Inc. #8) by Julie Ann Walker

Book blurb:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker continues her red-hot Black Knights Inc. series in rough-and-tumble Peru

"The Man" is back
Dan "The Man" Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He's hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan's number one priority.

And this time she's ready
A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she's excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can't forget. And a secret that's going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.

My Review:

From Chicago to Peru and back again, Julie Ann Walker took me on another exhilarating journey in Too Hard To Handle.

Dan is a member of Black Knights Inc., a black ops group of alpha men.  Penni is a former Secret Service Agent.  A few months ago an op they were involved in together not only brought them extremely close, but the op also had devasting results.  Ever since, neither Dan nor Penni have forgotten the other.  Now Penni has gathered her courage and sought out Dan for some unfinished business.  Little does she expect to find herself in Peru embroiled in another op with him, and more danger.  To survive and complete the op, their lives are on the line yet again...and if they do, will the unfinished business be the end of them or just the start?

I liked the different settings in Too Hard to Handle.  Not only was I in Peru, I was in Chicago as well, at the BKI compound I can picture so well thanks to Julie Ann's descriptiveness!  The whole concept of BKI and the people who work there is fascinating and enthralling...because it seems so real, so dangerous, and so unexpected.

I liked Dan and Penni's story.  I really liked Dan as a hero in Too Hard to Handle.  He has had his fair share of struggles, and it was so nice to see how he's worked through things, how he handles what life has thrown at him, and the inner strength that seems to be innately part of him.  I just really liked him, cared for him, and felt like I knew him.  Penni took longer to grow on me.  I didn't always like how she handled some things, the assumptions she makes, and the decisions she takes upon herself to make.  However, having said that, they were difficult decisions to make, and there are complexities involved that don't make things easy for Dan and Penni.

Julie Ann Walker managed to totally surprise me with parts of this plot.  I had no idea what was coming!  I liked how she did this, without  really giving any early hints so that I was just as taken off guard as the characters!  I liked this unanticipated twist of the plot and subsequently the relationship of Dan and Penni.

The secondary characters in Too Hard to Handle mainly involve the other members of BKI, and I liked how they were woven in and present in the plot, but not overwhelmingly so.  I would not recommend reading Too Hard to Handle as a stand alone.  The other books in this series build on each other between the plots and the characters, and to have a good grasp of what is going on I'd recommend reading the series in order.

Julie Ann writes it all in Too Hard to Handle.  With action, danger, suspense, alpha men, and romance, the intriguing plot threads tie up nicely together.  Fast paced and difficult to put down, I'd recommend Too Hard to Handle to any romantic suspense reader.

4/5 stars

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Review: Wilde at Heart (Wilde Security #3) by Tonya Burrows

Book Blurb:

He has everything under control. Except her.

Reece Wilde put everything in his life on the backburner to protect his brothers and their struggling company, Wilde Security. With a major contract on the line, Reece can't afford any mistakes...like getting caught in a red-hot, X-rated moment with wild child Shelby Bremer, who's more trouble than he can handle. Now he's being blackmailed.

Shelby's mile-long impulsive streak gets her in more trouble than she'd like to admit. Between her sister's wedding, her coffee shop set on fire, and getting down and dirty with the groom's brother, things are definitely coming off the rails. With both their careers and their safety on the line, Reece is determined to keep them both safe...even if it means a Vegas-style shotgun wedding.

But gambling on a wild card—and a wild soul—is risky...and sometimes, it can get a guy killed. 

My Review:

Wilde at Heart by Tonya Burrows gave me another wild ride with another Wilde brother!

I loved the fast pace of Wilde at Heart, the unexpected pieces of the plot, the forbidden romance, and the great mix of characters.

Shelby is a heroine who is definitely not given enough credit in her life.  She's insecure but hides it very well behind a veil of sassiness.  Shelby has not had an easy time in life, but she perseveres and does her best to move forward from a past filled with more secrets than she is willing to share.  She's impulsive and she is hopeful, but my heart goes out to that hidden side of her that feels like no one can love her.

Reece is the responsible, put everyone else first Wilde brother.  Looking out for his brother's soon to be sister in law Shelby soon turns into a lot more than he anticipated.  From the chemistry between them to the danger they find themselves in, soon Reese and Shelby are connected in many ways.  They tell each other it's only temporary, but even as danger lurks closer and secrets stay safe, they each find themselves feeling way more than they expected to.  Trying to stay safe and finding out who is responsible for the threats and danger stalking them is one thing, but keeping their hearts safe is another thing.  Can they do it?  And if they can will Shelby's secrets be the undoing of what's only just begun?

I liked both of these main characters.  I liked how they felt together and how they boosted each other up without even trying to.  I really felt hopeful for them, but at the same time I was nervous about the secrets Shelby was keeping.  Tonya reveals just enough at just the right times, and the suspense, mystery and romance are a great mix in Wilde at Heart.  I was intrigued and couldn't wait to find everything out, and find out what would happen.  I liked how Tonya worked the plot, how the characters had to work for what they really wanted, and how Shelby and Reese unwittingly helped each other do this.

I saw a lot of growth in these two characters through Wilde at Heart, it was really sweet to see.

I didn't really care for Shelby's sister Eva who is a significant secondary characters, but this only added more realism to the feelings that Tonya manages to evoke in Wilde at Heart.  I liked the Wilde brothers, their interactions, and the background that brought them to where they are today and where they are headed.

Full of surprises, intrigue, heat, and suspense, I'd recommend Wilde at Heart to any romantic suspense reader.

4/5 stars

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